Corpus Christi Artistic Carpet

What it is and where it is located

The facade of the Church of St. Julian the Martyr has overlooked Piazza Francesco Cangemi in Calatafimi for centuries. This understated elegance is dressed in light inside the church: white reigns supreme, and pillars and pilasters guide the eye toward the altar and apse, which with its rigorous geometries seems to embody the idea of eternity. All this, however, is disrupted every summer by shapes and colors that spread across the floor right in front of the altar. It is the Corpus Christi Art Carpet, which reproduces sacred images related to this feast.

Why it is special

Often when people talk about art carpets inside churches they think of flower displays, but the one in Calatafimi remains visible throughout the summer, from June to September. To achieve this, the citizens of Calatafimi had a genius idea: replace the classic flowers with colored sawdust, salt and sand. And so every year the floor of St. Julian the Martyr becomes the perfect canvas on which to create a large, high-impact display, perfect for celebrating Corpus Christi.

Not to be missed

The perfect vantage point is from the center of the church, but it is worth approaching the carpet without losing sight of its shapes. As you move forward you will notice how the shapes change, stretching or flattening: this is how you appreciate the skill with which the work was designed. A true gem of perspective. And even if you have already been there, believe us, it is worth coming back, because every year a new image is proposed:a new challenge for those who make it, a new surprise for those who admire it. We are waiting for you!