About
The Chiesa del Purgatorio, also known as the Church of Purgatory, stands on Via General Domenico Giglio in Trapani, on the western coast of Sicily. It is a historic church, and it is best known for housing the Misteri, a set of twenty wooden sculptural groups that are carried through the streets during the Easter processions.
What to see
The Misteri are the reason many visitors come. Each group is a carved wooden scene, and seeing them at rest in the church gives a sense of the scale and craft that go into the Easter procession. Visitors interested in the religious life of the city will find the church a natural place to begin.
Planning a visit
- Location: Via General Domenico Giglio, 91100 Trapani, in the city centre.
- Contact: +39 0923 532066, if you want to check on visiting arrangements before you go.
- Best known for: the Misteri and the Easter processions connected with them.
Trapani is a port city with a long coastline, and the church makes a good stop among its streets. Those who visit around Easter may be able to witness the processions that give the Misteri their meaning, though it is wise to confirm the timing before travelling.