cappella di santa maria dei martiri
Cent. 17th
In the oldest part of Palo del Colle where time seems to tiptoe between the alleyways and the worn stones, stands the Cappella di Santa Maria dei Martiri, also known as Santa Maria della Libera (Our Lady of Freedom). It has none of the majesty of great cathedrals, neither does it attract crowds of tourists. It is discrete, small, almost hidden away, and for that reason it is precious. It was built in the 1600s by the Guaccero family and immediately became a reference point in town, giving its name to the road previously called “ferraro”, of the blacksmith. At the entrance there is a stone inscription reading “Paolo di Pietro di Guaccera et Beatrice Cavalliero sua moglie hanno fatto questa cappella per loro devozione – 1648” (Paolo di Pietro di Guaccera and his wife Beatrice Cavalliero built this chapel for their devotion – 1648). Later it was taken on by the priest don Vito Rella, then purchased by the Troiano-Andriola family who restored it at the beginning of the 20th century.
The architecture of the chapel is quietly beautiful, with delicate proportions and details that are only noticed by those who are really looking. The flat façade is bordered by a cornice and a small bell gable stands on the left. Inside, the chapel is almost square in shape and is covered by a cross vault emphasized by plaster cornicing and it is lit by a small window on the left side. On the altar was the 18th century painting of the Virgin with Child between St. John the Baptistand St. Sebastian, by Giuseppe Porta of Molfetta. Until recently the chapel was open to the public, particularly in the summer months, for the recital of the rosary. Today it has lost its original function but its simplicity and discrete presence seem to inspire respect and religious silence. It is not just a private heritage but a spiritual heritage of the entire community, for anyone looking for meaning, memory or peace.