Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande
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Some of the greatest beauties of central-eastern Sicily are found in the Metropolitan City of Catania, such as the Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande, in the municipality of approximately 8.000 people located just 14 km from Catania.
The history of the Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande begins in the eighteenth century, when the current building dedicated to Santa Caterina was built, however another Church consecrated to the Saint of Alessandria had already existed on the site for over a hundred years before, but destroyed by the Val di Noto earthquake in 1693. This first building seemed to date back to 1571.
Today the Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria is the second most important Church of Viagrande and the events take place here celebrations in honor of the Saint, November 25th.
The architecture of the Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande and what it houses
The Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande is a large and imposing building. Its main façade leaves no room for side naves, but the façade develops entirely in height.
On the high main façade we can find a single door in the first order, set in a white marble frame and surmounted by a linear pediment. On the sides of the door, two black wrought iron lanterns hang, while the rest of the facade is free, up to the two lateral pilasters, which rest on a dark stone base.
A large tympanum dominates the entire second order, but above it stands a belfry, characterized by two single-lancet windows, which allow a glimpse of the six bells of the Church.
Inside, we find a single nave and we are especially fascinated by the apse area.
What to do at the Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande and the surrounding area
The Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande is one of the three largest churches in the country: with a stay in the centre, you can therefore discover them all, admiring particular buildings such as the Church of St. Blaise of 1831 or the Mother Church of Santa Maria dell'Idra, built in Piazza San Mauro and guardian of the relics of the Saint.
Villa Manganelli Biscari e Palazzo Mirone-Deodato they are among the most beautiful civil architecture in the country, but we recommend you also visit Turrisi Palace, near the Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Via Garibaldi.
To spend pleasant moments of relaxation, in Viagrande you can choose to reach the Monte Serra Park or stop for a meal at one of the town's restaurants: among bistros, pizzerias and restaurants, in Viagrande you can enjoy the best of the Catania cuisine, from sweet and sour rabbit with special sauce, to Sicilian rolls, stuffed with grapes and pine nuts, from baked pasta to peperonata, concluding the meal with the delicious Sicilian cassata.
After eating, it's time for new discoveries, like the ones you'll make at Catania reaching the center: here, overlooking the Ionian Sea, you will find the port, the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the Ursino Castle, while towards the city center, you will find monuments and attractions such as Porta Garibaldi, Villa Bellini with the Kiosk and the Garden Botanist of Catania. On the seafront, you can visit the Museum of the Landing in Sicily 1943, before reaching the pier of the tourist port.
The Catania seafront continues north in the direction of Acireale, but before the Castle you will encounter the Lava Caves of Ulysses, a spectacle of nature, not to be missed for those who love the sea. Those who prefer the mountains can easily reach the from Viagrande Etna park, also stopping in the small but beautiful centers of Milo e Lingfield.
How is it possible to get to the Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande
The Church of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria in Viagrande is located in Via Giuseppe Garibaldi, in the northern area of the town.
Getting to Viagrande is easy for those traveling by car, but even those traveling by train will have no difficulty reaching the centre. By car:, take the A18 Messina-Catania and take the exit for Acireale, while on the train you get off at Acireale station and continue to the town by bus or shuttle.
