A Little History
Construction of the church began in 1688, while its impressive Baroque façade was designed in 1712 by the local architect Giovanni Biagio Amico.
Look closely at the front of the building and you'll notice statues of the twelve apostles, created by the sculptor Alberto Orlando.
But the real reason this church is so special is what you'll find inside.
The Mystery of the 20 Sculptures
The church houses 20 sacred sculptural compositions, known as I Misteri di Trapani.
Eighteen groups depict scenes from the Passion of Christ, accompanied by two additional sacred figures representing Christ in the tomb and Our Lady of Sorrows.
Created mainly during the 17th and 18th centuries, these almost life-sized sculptures were crafted using an unusual combination of wood, fabric and glue.
Every year, on Good Friday, the sculptures are carried through the streets of Trapani during the famous Processione dei Misteri.
The procession begins on Friday afternoon and continues until Saturday morning, lasting almost 24 hours.
Imagine enormous religious sculptures moving slowly through narrow streets, carried on people's shoulders, accompanied by traditional funeral marches and thousands of spectators.
It's one of Trapani's most remarkable cultural and religious traditions.
Did You Know?
1. Each Sculpture Belongs to a Traditional Trade
Centuries ago, different professional groups in Trapani were entrusted with looking after individual sculptures.
Fishermen, goldsmiths, salt workers and other trades were connected to particular scenes.
This tradition is a fascinating reminder of the city's working-class history and the importance of its traditional professions.
2. The Architect Was Buried Inside His Own Church
Giovanni Biagio Amico, the architect responsible for the beautiful Baroque façade, was born just a short distance from the church.
After his death in 1754, he was buried inside the very building he had helped design.
A memorial plaque inside the church commemorates him.
3. The Church Survived World War II
The building suffered serious damage during the bombings of World War II.
After years of restoration, it reopened for worship in 1962.
Although some of its original artistic treasures were lost, the church remains an important part of Trapani's cultural heritage.
My Tip
If you're visiting Trapani during Easter, don't miss the Processione dei Misteri. Watching the sculptures leave the church on Good Friday is an unforgettable experience, even if you're not particularly religious.
And if you're visiting at another time of year, it's still worth stepping inside to see the sculptures up close, provided the church is open.
Take a moment to look at the details of their faces, expressions and clothing. Some are so realistic that it's difficult to believe they were made centuries ago.
This isn't just a church – it's a place where Trapani's history, craftsmanship and traditions come together.