The Mother Church

The Mother Church, also known as Minor Basilica for its grandeur and majesty, is located in the heart of the Medieval Village of Montalbano Elicona.

The church, whose structure dates from the XII century, was dedicated to St. Nicholas, patron saint of Montalbano. In 1645 it was renovated and enlarged with two aisles, central aisle as an adjunct to existing. It is characterized by two rows of towering Corinthian columns on which rests the round arches.

The monolithic columns of limestone, it is said, come from the perusal of ancient temples exist in the area.

In this church we can admire prestigious works include the tabernacle on the altar in gilt woodadorned with art works and sculptures, attributed to the school of Gagini as the sculpture of St. Nicholas (1587), and the baptismal font of stone, a crucifix wooden '400, a baroque canopy of 700, a painting representing the Last Supper attributed to Guido Reni, Italian painter and printmaker, one of the greatest of the seventeenth century, a fine painting of the Assumption and precious vestments embroidered in silk, masterpieces refined school of Messina.