Chiesa di San Giuseppe

St. Joseph's Church is located in Ragusa, in Pola Square, on the ruins of the St. Thomas's Church that was completely destroyed in the earthquake of 1693. The work is attributed to Rosario Gagliardi, it is together with the St, George's Church, one of the jewels of the Sicilian Baroque. Its history is linked to that of the St. Benedict's Monastery, built thanks to a donation of Buscello Baron, Don Carlo Giavanti. The first reconstruction work began in 1701. Between 1756 and 1760 the project replaced the Rococo in Baroque style. The convex facade, in Composite style, is divided into three tiers: the first order is characterized by four Corinthian columns and two half-pillars, a portal with semicircular arch surmounted by elegant sculptures and four statues depicting St. Gertrude, St. Augustine, St. Gregory and St. Scholastica. In the second order, we find a window in the middle, with semicircular arch topped by sculptures, four columns and two half-pillars with Ionic sculptures and two statues of St. Mauro and St. Benedict. Finally, the third order, has three cells bell with railings and decorations. On the bell tower are placed three bells. The interior, oval shaped, is punctuated by pilasters with Ionic capitals. The five altars are made of stone and decorated with painted glass. The lobby is decorated with statues and paintings by Tommaso Pollace (1802) depicting St. Gertrude and St. Benedict. On the central altar is placed a painting of the Holy Family painted by Matteo Battaglia (1775). Very special design of the paving, obtained by the alternation of white limestone and pitch stone with black ceramic tiles polychrome floral motifs. The Church is full of silver and vestments, as the canopy of the early nineteenth century in velvet and satin embroidered with gold, and the altar in white wood with gold trimmings.