One of the places most loved by the people of Palermo and among the artistic jewels that the world envies us, is ready for a new restyling: from the terrace to the innovative home automation system
«Originally, it was flooded with light which enhanced its architectural values». With these words, Father Filippo Rotolo described the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, that unique monument of medieval Palermo, located in the square of the same name.
Today, we can only partially appreciate what the work once was. When they say “have no peace”. There is, in fact, an aura of mystery and charm that hovers around the Basilica which, over the years, has been victim of wars and the bombings of the Second World War. Yet, despite this, she is standing and, now, it wants to shine with that light that once passed through it. Here, then, as in all fairy tales, there is always the good fairy of the situation, the deus ex machina ready to bring the light back between those cracks.
Well, after the restyling of the Monastery of Santa Caterina of Alessandria, also the Church of San Francesco d’Assisi of Palermo is ready to redo her look. And she does it in step with the times, equipping herself with a real home automation system.
Adv
The project is there. The money too: 521,824.43 euros from FEC funds, for work to adapt the electrical system and to make the lightning rod system safe.
The Interregional Public Works Authority of Palermo, a territorial branch of the Ministry of Infrastructure for Sicily and Calabria, directed by the engineer Francesco Sorrentino, has awarded the contract for the works, which will begin by June.
The project includes both external and internal works of the structure.
In the first case, the removal and restoration of the historic plasters is envisaged, to then move on to the new painting of the areas. New life for the too terracewith the creation of a new flooring. Inside too, the plastering and walls will be painted.
The real news, however, lies in the new cutting-edge electrical system. Not simple energy, but a real energy system home automationwhich will allow you to manage the electrical panel and the functionality of the LED lighting fixtures remotely, with significant energy savings.
The church was built twice in thirty years following the destruction of the first, ordered one by Frederick II to take revenge for the excommunication suffered by the Pope. The current building was built between 1255 and 1277.
In 1872, the façade underwent a thorough restoration, carried out under the direction of Giuseppe Patricolo, who replaced the previous rose window, which had been lost during the transformations made to the church, based on the design of the contemporary rose window of the church of S. Agostino .
The interior is large with three naves with deep chapels, among which, of notable importance, such as the Mastrantonio Chapel, built by Francesco Laurana in 1462, and the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, to the right of the presbytery, decorated in 1624, where it is it is possible to appreciate the marble decoration.
Among the works of art present inside, you can admire those created by Domenico and Antonello GaginiPeter New and James Serpotta.
