PalermoAltavilla Milicia.
The Baronial Palace and the Chiesa Madre, a Sanctuary
dedicated to the Madonna di Loreto but better known
as the Madonna della Milicia, were built in the
17th c. on the site of a pre-existing mansion. Both
the church and the palace stand in a unique position
on a cliff with a wide view over the coast and sea.
The Sanctuary contains a museum with a collection
of four hundred votive pictures painted on tin,
which are very interesting as expressions of folk
art and faith. Near Altavilla is the Chiesa di San
Michele, now in ruins, but with its nave and great
transept still recognisable. This church was built
by the Hauteville (Altavilla) family, whose name
was given to the town.
