Not far from the centre of Caltanissetta, the Abbey of Santo Spirito is set in a splendid landscape. It was founded in the 12th century by the Normans on the site of a fortified farmhouse built by the Arabs in 900 CE approx., whose traces can clearly be seen in the thick walls, arrow slits, square tower and keyhole of the grating that protected the door. The entrance door which gives access to the central body of the farmhouse has a double locking system, on the hinges and with a grate. To the left of the entrance hall, a small ogival door leads to the bell tower which has arrow slits in the walls and two square rooms, one on top of the other, each balanced on a pointed arch.
The former grain warehouse that stood between the outer wall of the farmhouse and the tower was adapted for use as a church by orders of Ruggiero the Norman. The building is in Romanesque style, a single nave with three small apses, and features a stone commemorating its consecration in 1153. At the back is a large Romanesque font for immersive baptism sculpted from a single sandstone block by local artisans, dating to early Christian times. The exposed stone walls are decorated with late 15th century frescoes.
Sicilia Film Commission
Via Emanuele Notarbartolo 9 — 90141 Palermo
Phone: +39 091 7078008; +39 091 7078264; +39 091 7078133; +39 091 7078145
Email: filmcommission@regione.sicilia.it
