The Church of
Purgatory
Trapani
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The Church of the Purgatory, keeper of the Statues of the Mysteries, is an important church in the city centre. Construction began in 1688 to a design by Don Pietro Lo Castro. Its Baroque-style façade is characterised by the rising central section, reminiscent of a tower, with an unusual clock positioned below the bell.
It is also adorned with twelve statues depicting the twelve Apostles and Jesus. The interior follows a Latin cross plan with three naves. Although it suffered severe damage during the Second World War, the church was later restored and reopened. Today, the faithful can admire the Statues of the Mysteries, its renowned sculptural groups, during times outside the Easter season.
THIS PLACE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE
The Church of the Purgatorio preserves the Statues of the Mysteries. These are sculptural groups carried in procession on Good Friday, during the procession that bears the same name. There are 20 sculptural groups, almost life-size, depicting moments from Christ's Passion, such as the Washing of the Feet, the Garden of Olives, the Arrest, the Flagellation, the Crowning with Thorns, Ecce Homo, the Ascent to Calvary, the Deposition, and the Urn.
The Procession of the Mysteries of Trapani is an ancient religious tradition of Spanish origin that has been taking place for over 400 years. It lasts an entire day (24 hours), with only one pause during the night.