Parrocchia Santuario Basilica S.S. Cosma E Damiano, Alberobello

As you walk along the Via Indipendenza into Alberobello you become aware of the ground rising both to your left and to your right. To the left is Alberobello Trulli, famous for its cone roofed houses and justifiably a tourist destinaton. After exploring the Trulli houses, we crossed the dividing road with its market and ascended the steps which took us to the Corso Vittorio Emanuele and a more typical southern Italian town. What makes this area special, however, is the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian which comes into view and dominates the eye as you enter the ascending street by way of the Piazza del Popolo. The architect must have been aware of the commanding position his church would occupy and his designs reflect his train of thought. The features which gain attention immediately are the twin bell towers. These are supported by engaged fluted pilasters with Corinthian capitals, enclosing classically arched decorated twin lights above niches now void but perhaps once containing images of the two saints, resting upon pedestals with a design of four rectangles each side. The pilasters flank the portal whose pediment is supported by partially fluted columns resting again upon pedestals with this quartered design. Entrance to the church is gained through a classical arch supported by a smaller Ionic order of unfluted pilasters and columns. The tympanum is decorated with the crucified Christ accompanied by six saints, three on each side of Him whilst four angels look down from heaven. The clock on the eastern bell tower is balanced by a sun dial on the west tower. A most satisfying and accomplished usage of the classical elements.

In Alberobello, I coincided with the party of "The Medical Saints", patrons of the city. 3 days of celebrations, music and masses. It is worth taking a walk to see the place where the devotees go constantly.