One of the most characteristic features of the Benedictine monastery is undoubtedly the strong two-tone effect given by its main materials.
If we tried to touch a marble column and a lava stone base, we would immediately notice how they are different to the touch: the cold sensation, the porosity ...
Try to imagine the smells coming from the basement kitchens that rose to the upper floors and the spaces connected to the two refectories.
One of these spaces used to prepare rich dishes is home to the prodigious 18th-century fireplace hood named "il fornetto" (the little oven), built atop the anci...
The interior of the church creates a continuously moving illusory effect thanks to some of its characteristic elements: the lateral arcades, the vault and the apse arcade seems to bring the gaze towards the altar.
With its countless stuccoes and frescoes, the vault creates the sensation of partici...
Marble stucco is an ancient technique that tends to imitate marble and is far cheaper.
The finish of this type of stucco can be of such high quality that it is indistinguishable from natural marble....
During the feast of St. Agatha, the statue of Catania's patron saint would be carried in front of the church and left there for some time so that from above, behind the gratings, the devout Benedictine nuns could honour the Saint with singing and prayer.
Currently the rite continues at the church ...
One of the best features of this church is undoubtedly its loggia dome.
From the cantoria, or chancel, once only accessible to the nuns, you can admire the impressive 360 degree panorama.
A magnificent view allows you to admire the former monastery and the historic centre of Catania in their entir...
The smell of wax is one of the most characteristic scents within the church and in the streets of Catania during the celebrations of the patron saint.
Votive candles are still produced today in Catania's artisanal workshops using techniques and raw materials steeped in ancient knowledge.
There w...
The Badia di Sant'Agata (St. Agatha's Abbey) offers many panoramic viewpoints for contemplating the beauty of the entire historic centre. It's certainly worth taking the long staircase that leads to the upper terraces and the walkway that surrounds the dome.
From here you can admire the entire city...
The cathedral of Sant'Agata (St. Agatha) is set in a truly unique environmental and architectural context. Its scenographic composition never fails to amaze.
Your gaze will meander through the domes, the multiple viewpoints offered by the square, and Etna in the background. Its unique beauty chang...
Marble and lava stone, which have very different physical and aesthetic characteristics, are the two most common materials in the construction of the Cathedral of Sant'Agata (St. Agatha).
This contrast, which is already perceptible to the naked eye, becomes immediately clear when touching the mater...
MiC – Ministero della Cultura
Legge 77/2006 - Misure Speciali di Tutela e Fruizione dei Siti Italiani di Interesse Culturale, Paesaggistico e Ambientale, inseriti nella “Lista Del Patrimonio Mondiale”, posti sotto la Tutela dell’ UNESCO Regione Siciliana.
Assessorato dei Beni Culturali e dell’Identità Siciliana, Dipartimento dei Beni Culturali e dell’Identità Siciliana.
Parco archeologico della Valle dei Templi di Agrigento.
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