Church of San Francesco di Paola in Nicolosi
Book your tour in Sicily
Choose from the best experiences to do in Catania, Palermo, Messina, Trapani, Agrigento and many other Sicilian cities.
Nicolosi it is a country populated by over 7.000 people in the Metropolitan City of Catania, just 16 km from the city center; the village rises 700 meters above sea level, surrounded at its back by the southern reaches of theEtna.
The historic center is located halfway between the mountains and the sea, offering visitors unique attractions. One of these is right there Church of San Francesco di Paola in Nicolosi.
This sacred building with orderly and elegant lines, which stands out for its sobriety, but at the same time attracts the gaze of visitors precisely by virtue of its architectural and chromatic geometries and symmetries, was built at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Yet, the Church we see today is not at all the one originally built, in fact, many renovation works, including those at the end of the twentieth century, have given it its current appearance.
The architecture of the Church of San Francesco di Paola in Nicolosi and the works it houses
The Church of San Francesco di Paola in Nicolosi is a simple building, with a linear design and marked by a chromatic contrast that contrasts the white of the facade with the black of the architraves, the stones that surround the rose window and the simple decorations that appear on the main façade . Here the only door of the Church opens, dominated by the rose window, while via some dark stone steps, you can access the Churchyard or enter the Church.
Inside, the building is divided into a single nave and the main attraction of the prayer room is undoubtedly the marble altar, but the wooden statue of San Francesco di Paola does not go unnoticed.
What to do at the Church of San Francesco di Paola in Nicolosi and the surrounding area
Starting from the Church of San Francesco di Paola in Nicolosi it is possible to take a wonderful and exhaustive tour of the town, where there are many beauties to discover: among the sacred buildings, we remember the Mother Church consecrated to Holy Spirit, Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie , Church of the Madonna del Carmelo. The spirituality of the town also lives through other buildings in Nicolosi, such as the Benedictine monastery by GB Dusmet and the Church of the Souls of Purgatory.
Linked toEtna Park Authority are the Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena, which became the headquarters of the organization, but also the Queen's Path, a route of about two and a half kilometers among the rocks of volcanic origin found on the slopes of Etna. Of course, one holiday in Nicolosi it will be the perfect opportunity to go on an excursion to discover the volcano, and then deepen your knowledge of the place at Volcanological Museum of Etna.
Among the stages of this excursion, don't forget the Nicolosi altars, the Monument to the great German writer Goethe and the Museum of Peasant Civilization, stages that make Nicolosi an interesting center also from a cultural point of view.
To start or end your visit to the town, take Piazza Cisterna as a point of reference, while for a lunch or dinner to discover local products and traditional recipes, choose one of the many restaurants in the centre.
In the surroundings of Nicolosi there are also many attractions to discover, such as Red Mountains on the slopes of Etna (with adjoining amusement park) and the Etna park with its astonishing views, such as i Silvestri craters at 1.900 meters above sea level
At Nicolosi you can raggiungere the center of Catania in just 35 minutes by car, to discover the city passing through the Monte Ceraulo Forest. Once in the centre, visit the Botanical Garden of Catania and Villa Bellini, to enjoy all the greenery a stone's throw from the sea, but don't forget the numerous churches in the centre, such as the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and reserve some of your time at the Ursino Castle, a XNUMXth century monument, before taking a walk to the port and discovering the seafront and beach.
Recommended activities for a tour of Etna
How is it possible to get to the Church of San Francesco di Paola in Nicolosi
The Church of San Francesco di Paola in Nicolosi is located in Via Guglielmo Marconi, in the north-western quadrant of the village: getting to the town is simple, either by car or by train.
By car:, takes the exit for Acireale from the A18 Messina-Catania, while on the train get off at Acireale station and continue towards the centre, 12 km away, by bus or shuttle.
