 | This article contains translated text and the factual accuracy of the translation should be checked by someone fluent in Italian and English. (August 2022) |
| Ex Jesuits' College | |
|---|---|
 The Arcade | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Town or city | Alcamo |
| Country | Italy |
| Construction started | 1652 |
The ex Jesuits' College (in Italian Collegio dei Gesuiti [1] ) is a building in the town centre of Alcamo (in the province of Trapani).
Its construction started in 1652, on a project by Dazio Agliata (thanks to the donation by the Jesuit Vincenzo Abbati), in order to promote the diffusion of the Christian faith, but it has never been completed. The building of the colonnade, instead, dates back to the following century. [1]
The only original document about this project was found at the National Library of Paris: in the planimetry there were foreseen four sides with an inner court, the terrace covering the colonnade which was to be built on the ground floor surrounded by the wall of the attic. The project was never completed entirely: in fact, only two sides were realized, the ones facing North and West that have maintained their original characteristics.
In the 18th century the College of Jesuits was enriched with an arcade: they had foreseen another construction above it, but it was not realized. Originally the colonnade of the College had four arches; only three remain now as the one which connected the arcade to the Church of Jesus (in Italian chiesa del Collegio dei Gesuiti), was demolished.
In recent times it has been restored for seven years [2] and today it is the representative house of the town, of the Museum of Contemporary Art of Alcamo [2] and of the Civic Library "Sebastiano Bagolino", [1] which hosts rare incunabula and sixteenth-century editions.
The place chosen for the construction of the College, was located on the western side of the town, outside of its walls, very near piazza Maggiore (later piazza Ciullo) in a central area which was already interested by new buildings since the 16th century.
It was required by the ecclesiastical authorities that these colleges were built inside the town centres (so they could rely on a large number of potential students), big enough to lodge the Jesuits and the schools for their pupils, possibly with a garden and preferentially near a church and the Mother Church, but also, at a certain distance from the areas of influence of other religious orders.
Inside the Collegio dei Gesuiti, founded for the diffusion of faith and spiritual formation, also laymen found room, having here a guide for their path of faith.
Besides the works exhibited inside the museum, inside the Oratory there are some 18th-century frescoes by Domenico La Bruna: Our Lady's Assumption (on the ceiling), Jesus in the Gethsemane , the Flagellation of Jesus, the encounter with Saint Veronica and others.
Alcamo is the fourth-largest town and commune of the Province of Trapani, Sicily, with a population of 44.925 inhabitants. It is on the borderline with the Metropolitan City of Palermo at a distance of about 50 kilometres from Palermo and Trapani.
Our Lady of Miracles is the patron saint of the town of Alcamo.
Santissima Annunziata is in Gothic-Catalan style and its remains can be seen in Alcamo, in Trapani province. One can visit the church and the adjoining convent of the Carmelites in Piazza Libertà.
Sant'Oliva is a catholic church located in Alcamo, province of Trapani, Sicily, southern Italy.
Santa Maria della Stella is a former church located in Alcamo, in the province of Trapani, Sicily, southern Italy.
Sacra Famiglia is a religious building in Alcamo, Sicily, southern Italy; it is located on the ground floor of the Ex Jesuits' College.
The Chiesa del Gesù is a Catholic church located in Alcamo, in the province of Trapani, Sicily, southern Italy. It is the second largest church in Alcamo, after the basilica di Santa Maria Assunta.
Sant'Anna is a Catholic church in Alcamo, in the province of Trapani, Sicily, southern Italy.
Santa Maria del Rosario is a Catholic church in Alcamo, in the province of Trapani.
The Museum of contemporary art of Alcamo is located in Piazza Ciullo in Alcamo, inside the Ex Collegio dei Gesuiti, near the majestic Church of Jesus. The exhibition centre, large about 400 square metres, is on the first floor; at the entrance there are an information desk, a meeting room and a bookshop.
The Museum of Multiethnic Musical Instruments "Fausto Cannone" is dedicated to music and is located inside the Ex Church of Saint James of the Sword at 75, Via Commendatore Navarra in Alcamo, Italy.
Nicola Rubino was an Italian sculptor and painter.
Monsignor Vincenzo Regina was an Italian presbyter and historian.
The House of Ciullo d'Alcamo is a residential building located in the town centre of Alcamo, in the province of Trapani, Italy.
Santa Maria dello Stellario was a catholic Church located in piazza Ciullo, in the town centre of Alcamo, in the province of Trapani.
The building of the ex Loggia Comunale is located in Alcamo, in the province of Trapani.
The Arab fountain of Alcamo is very ancient, and is still functional: it was built during the period of the Arab domination of the town. It is located in the lower part of Alcamo, at about 300 metres from the Sanctuary of Madonna of Miracles.
Piazza Ciullo is the main square of Alcamo, in the province of Trapani, Sicily, Italy. Being located in the very town centre, it is a meeting place for people and an attraction for important events, especially for teenagers.
The Town hall of Alcamo, also called Il Municipio, is a public historical building located in Piazza Ciullo, in the town centre of Alcamo.
Piazza della Repubblica is the largest square in Alcamo, a town in the province of Trapani. It is located in the town centre.