SANTUARIO DI SAN VITO MARTIRE

The sanctuary-fortress almost certainly rose in the XV century, to protect the pilgrims from pirate attacks, encompassing the structure of a pre-existing  church, documented in the XIV century. It was restored in 2003 and given back its original east-west direction. The restoration brought to light a  hypogeum with two wells which was  probably for cultural use. Today’s  Presbyterian zone, the so-called chapel of San Vito, is enriched with local marble and with stucco statues by Orazio Ferraro (1624-1628); in the centre is the statue of the Saint, a fine work in Gagini style from 1587, with episodes of his life linked to his stay in San Vito, engraved in the base. Contemporary works of art are used as sacred decoration.