The main altar
In the ceiling we find the famous episode of the Transfiguration of Jesus. On either side of the fresco are two medallions depicting St John the Baptist and St Matthew. In the centre is the artistic wooden statue of the Immaculate Conception, made by the Neapolitan sculptor Pietro Padula, with the Marian monogram above it and the coats of arms of the City (castle surmounted by the keys of St. Peter) and the Archpriesthood (pontifical book, mitre and crosier, privileges of the Archpriesthood); in the centre is the Mazara family coat of arms (crescent and bell). On the sides are Baroque-style niches with statues of St. Peter and St. Paul, probably by the same author.
Due to an accident, the large central chandelier in the apse, made by famous craftsmen from Murano, was destroyed. Its transport from Veneto in the year it was made, 1889, had already proved particularly problematic: the boat carrying it hit the rocks during a violent storm in Calabria and sank. The manufacturer only asked the archpriest for modest compensation to forward a second chandelier weighing six quintals, which was dramatically destroyed in 2011.
The side walls of the apse were recently enriched with works by the Modican painter Assenza on the occasion of the 19th centenary of the martyrdom of St Peter: they depict the miraculous fishing and the martyrdom on the cross of the prince of the apostles.
The apse is occupied by the large walnut choir, with stalls for the twelve canons referable to the early 19th century due to the presence of neoclassical designs. Recent maintenance work has shown that these may be stalls purchased and superimposed on the pre-existing stone choir.
The high altar was consecrated on 8 April 1872 by Bishop Antonio Morana, depicted in a painting in the Sacristy, bishop of Caltagirone and originally from Modica. Recently, following the liturgical reform desired by the Second Vatican Council, a mensa altar was placed, made from the base of the Holy Ark: it is a small masterpiece of wooden sculpture, decorated in old gold leaf. At the base we find the four evangelists, while in the centre, on gilded medallions, are engraved two expressions that recall St Peter’s greatness: Tu firma petra Ecclesiae (You firm rock of the Church); Tu columna flecti nesci (You, column, do not know bending).
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