Piazza Alicia

History that endures.

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This iconic square houses the remains of the former Chiesa Madre (main church). Built on the ruins of a mosque, it was rebuilt in the 17th century but almost destroyed in the 1968 earthquake, and is now a symbol of both sacred and secular culture.

In Salemi’s old town, with its narrow streets, steep flights of steps, courtyards and alleyways, visitors can admire Piazza Alicia, overlooked by both the Norman castle and the remains of the former Chiesa Madre, which are brought together in this contemporary agora thanks to an innovative architectural project.

The church was built during the reign of Frederick II of Swabia, next to the imposing castle that defended the town, probably on the ruins of the Arab mosque. The bell tower was a watchtower with a dual function – religious and defensive.

In the 17th century, the church was completely rebuilt according to a design by the Palermo architect Mariano Smiriglio, but in 1968, following the severe earthquake that struck the city, it was badly damaged: only part of the dome and a few of the columns of the nave and aisle remained.

Today, we can admire its ruins, which are part of one of the most interesting projects of reconstruction, conservation and urban redevelopment in the world, thanks to the design of Álvaro Siza and Roberto Collovà. This project enhances the value of the elements of the church that remain intact, a symbol of the past destroyed by the earthquake, as well as the elements that delineate a communal outdoor space, which includes the sacred square and the civic and secular square: an agora and stage for major cultural events and a community meeting place.