Completed in 1780 by the Legambi family, the Church of Maria Santissima della Catena (also known as the Addoloratella) stands in Piazza Garibaldi, near the site of the former Porta Reale demolished in 1787 and the spot where Sicilian patriot Salvatore Spinuzza was executed. Situated at the original main entry to Cefalù, the church traditionally serves as the place where incoming bishops vest in their sacred robes before making their solemn entry into the diocese.
What to see
The exterior features a yellow tufa facade with an entrance loggia framed by a large round arch supported by paired pillars with Ionic capitals. Statues occupy niches on either side of the arch, while an upper niche flanked by two windows holds a statue of the Virgin Mary. Steps within the loggia lead to the main entrance portal. Inside, the single-nave space receives natural light from windows on the front and southern walls. Notable interior additions include a 1902 altar and statue dedicated to Santa Maria della Catena, commemorating a late 14th-century miracle in Palermo, alongside historical links to the D'Anna family and Pietro Legambi, who established the collegino dell'Addolorata here in 1790. Outside, the bell tower preserves fragments of ancient megalithic walls at its base; in 1881, the tower was raised by one level to accommodate two clocks, utilizing two bells transferred from the former convent of Santa Caterina.
Visiting
Following a comprehensive restoration completed in 2008, the church continues to maintain its historical role in local religious ceremonies.
Our editors' tip
Look closely at the lower section of the bell tower to see how the 18th-century masonry was built directly over ancient, large-stone megalithic walls.
