Work has begun in Petralia Soprana, in the Palermo area, on the restoration and extraordinary maintenance of one of the majolica-tiled spires of the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto, which has been affected by deterioration and the collapse of its decorative elements. The project, drawn up by the Palermo Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, has a total budget of 143,500 euros. The work will be carried out by Scancarello srl of Palermo and is scheduled to be completed within 180 days of the start date.
The project focuses specifically on the spire’s decorative elements, constructed using the traditional Madonie building technique, which employs glazed terracotta elements—known locally as “scarpuzze”—arranged in concentric bands. The structure serves both a decorative and a load-bearing function.
The first phase involves securing the spire, followed by geophysical surveys using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to assess its state of preservation and identify any voids, detachments, or hidden structural elements. A complete three-dimensional survey will then be carried out using a laser scanner, which will be used to document and individually catalog the ceramic elements, recording their shape, color, and dimensions.
Once the surveys are complete, any parts that have detached or are at risk of detachment will be removed. The intact “scarpuzze” will be cleaned, consolidated, and reinstalled, while those that cannot be salvaged will be replaced using traditional materials and artisanal techniques. The project will also include waterproofing the ceramic roof and sealing the most vulnerable areas, with the aim of restoring the spire’s protective function.
The Church of Santa Maria di Loreto is located in the historic center of Petralia Soprana, in the neighborhood of the same name, within the area of the ancient Roman castrum (camp), which was later converted into a Carmelite convent. The building preserves layers dating from the medieval and Renaissance periods, while its current configuration dates largely to 18th-century renovations. The Baroque façade features two twin bell towers, crowned by truncated-cone spires covered in polychrome green, yellow, and blue majolica tiles arranged in geometric patterns. The spire of the eastern bell tower is currently protected by a wooden support structure connected to iron tubes, installed by the Fire Department after the 2002 earthquake.
“Preserving today means allowing future generations to continue to know and experience these places,” said Francesco Paolo Scarpinato, councilor for Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity. “We are working on an architectural element that is not only part of a historic building but has, over time, become a recognizable symbol of Petralia Soprana and its community. Preserving our heritage also involves specific actions like this one, which help conserve the characteristics that make each region’s identity unique and keep alive the connection between these places and their history.”
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| Petralia Soprana (Palermo): Restoration Begins on a Majolica-Tiled Spire at Santa Maria di Loreto |
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