Capuchin Friary, Sortino

Almost totally destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, it was rebuilt, enlarged and completed in 1748, thanks to the contributions of the faithful and the noble family of Caetani, Princes of Cassaro and Marquesses of Sortino.

The complex was repurchased by the friars in 1879, thanks to the work of the Capuchin from Sortinese father Eugenio Scamporlino (Provincial Minister of the time) and was home to the only novitiate of Sicily, also hosting novices from Naples, Bari and Malta.

The church, with a single nave, with two side chapels, dedicated to the Virgin Sorrowful,[4] inside preserves a work of significant value: the wooden tabernacle made by the Capuchin Angelo Gagliano of Mazzarino [it] (1743-1809).

It took 18 years of work, and consists of singular panels, made of apricot wood, rose, prickly pear and ivory and mother-of-pearl details.

Among the works of art, which are preserved in the friary of Sortino, deserving of mention: the marble statue of St. Anthony of Padua, in Gaginesco style, dating back to 1527 and a canvas depicting the Martyrdom of St. Sebastian (17th Century), of the Caravaggesca school.