Chiesa del Monte Purgatorio, Martina Franca

I don't know very much about this little church located in Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It is adjacent to the beautiful cathedral of San Martino and also has a very strong charm. It has two entrances and there is an ancient organ. The ceiling and floor are also of relief

As often happens, beauty is hidden. This is the case of the small church on Monte Purgatorio in Martina Franca built in 1652. Covered on the outside by limestone chianche, it remains discreet and reverent compared to the Basilica of San Martino opposite. A small casket that encloses a Baroque-style altar on which a stone statue of the Madonna with child is placed. In one corner there is a bronze bell from the same period. A balcony above houses an organ and the entire ceiling is frescoed. It is generally open to the public and there is no entrance fee. A visit is highly recommended.

Built in 1649 by the members of the homonymous Confraternity, mainly priests, it consists of a lower floor used for religious worship and an upper floor used as an oratory. The exterior, with a two-pitched roof covered with limestone chianche and a small belfry, has a main portal with a lunette surmounted by a small rose window and a secondary portal on the side of the square. The interior is characterized by a rectangular hall painted with a marble effect, as well as the barrel ceiling, frescoed with a coffered motif. On the high altar in Baroque style stands a beautiful 17th century polychrome stone sculpture of the Virgin of Grace. In the second niche there is a valuable canvas by Giovanni Caramia from 1652 in which St. Michael the Archangel is portrayed delivering a purified soul to the Madonna della Libera. On the floor there is the ancient bronze bell cast in 1652. The first floor, occupied by the oratory of the Congrega, is awaiting restoration and therefore still not open to visitors. The church is currently open to the public.

A small and delightful church obscured by the majesty of the Basilica of San Martino overlooking it. Rich in frescoes dating back to the seventeenth century. An image of the Madonna with baby Jesus on her lap is evident. To be seen for its historical and artistic value.

Very charming small church, located near the Basilica of San Martino.