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The town of Melilli

Tourism in Melilli

The Basilica of St. Sebastian

In Piazza di San Sebastiano there is the masterpiece of Melilli: the Basilica of St. Sebastian.

The Basilica was rebuilt after the earthquake in 1693, when the church was completely destroyed except the chapel with the saint's representation.

Its facade is adorned by Corinthian capitals, ornamental small columns and frames.

There are also three wonderful bronze portals.

Copyright © Municipality of Melilli Basilica di San Sebastiano

On the central and most imposing portal, the martyrdom of St. Sebastian is represented.

The interior is just like an art museum: here you find the best painters' works of the 18th century in Sicily.

In the inferior surface of the church covering there is The Glory of St. Sebastian, a painting made by Olivio Sozzi (1690-1765).

Here the saint is praying and he is glorified by angels who take its crown of martyrdom, helmet, arch and arrows to a beautiful Madonna indicating the Holy Trinity at the very top.

It is a rare artistic masterpiece and conveys an intense religiosity.