Catania

The church and the monastery

The church of San Benedetto (St. Benedict), considered one of the best examples of late Baroque in Catania, is located inside the historic monastery at the beginning of Via dei Crociferi.
monastero da via crociferi inquadrando l'arco d'unioneIt is the other largest convent complex of the Benedictine nuns and their current residence.
It is said that the superb arch that opens onto the street was built in one night to unite the two monasteries and connect the abbeys, following the earthquake in 1704.
arco d'unioneThe grandeur that emanates from this place inspired Giovanni Verga ‘s “Storia di una Capinera” (Story of a Blackcap) and Franco Zeffirelli’s film adaptation (Sparrow) set in Via dei Crociferi.
The monastery of San Benedetto originated from the remains of a Roman domus dating back to imperial times, the remains of which were discovered during restoration work.
One of the most fascinating elements of the cloistered monastery, where the Benedictine nuns practised a characteristic form of devotion , is the parlour, the only place where the nuns could have contact with the outside world.
In this room, concealed by thick black grating, they were allowed to talk to their relatives.
The room’s floor, preserved in its original state, dates back to the 14th century and is made of terracotta and limestone. It also has geometrically shaped decorations typical of the Arab-Norman period, created by the intersection of several depictions joined together. The main element is the symbolic eight-pointed star repeated in the geometric flooring and which represents the sacred centre par excellence.

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The senses tell the story of the Church of San Benedetto

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Garden of Novices and the restorations by Giancarlo De Carlo

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A stone garden

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The illusion of light and the decorative splendour

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The Infiorata of Noto, a modern tradition

A new site for the church of San Giorgio

The senses tell the story of the Church of San Paolo

The city of Modica, a balance between nature and urbanism

St. Agatha and the candelore

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The interior and works of art

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Reconstruction after the earthquake

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Verticality and dynamism of the façade of the Church of San Carlo

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City and nature

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The triumph of Baroque: expansion of spaces

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The interior of the church: space and colour

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San Domenico and Gagliardi’s work

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The Monastery of the Benedictine nuns

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Unusual iconographies: the Burgos crucifix

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The beginning of an authentic Baroque conception

The Badia di Sant’Agata (St. Agatha’s Abbey)