Square dell’Unità d’Italia and the Church of San Bartolomeo

Square dell’Unità d’Italia is the beating heart of Ispica’s historic center, as well as the hub of the city’s social, religious, and cultural life. At the center of the square stands the Church of San Bartolomeo, dedicated to the patron saint, an imposing example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Built in the 18th century, the church is distinguished by its majestic three-tiered façade, richly decorated with local stone, and its sumptuous interior, enriched with stucco, marble altars, and significant works of sacred art. The building houses the statue of the saint, the centerpiece of the solemn Feast of San Bartolomeo, which annually involves the entire community in a vibrant procession, religious, and civic events. The square is also a daily gathering place, hosting public events and markets. Constant attention to conservation, through restoration and enhancement projects, makes this space an emblem of Ispica’s historical and cultural identity.