Church of Sant'Antonio in Castiglione di Sicilia

Among the beauties present at Castiglione di Sicilia in province of Catania deserves a special mention Church of Sant'Antonio Abate which, due to its architectural characteristics and materials used for construction, differs from the classic canons of the area.

The Church of Sant'Antonio Abate in Castiglione di Sicilia

La church of Sant'Antonio in Castiglione di Sicilia it is a structure located in the heart of the town located in the province of Catania. According to historical reconstructions, the church was used during the 1600s probably to rebuild a previous cult building that had been completely destroyed by a landslide. The church has a facade in which elements made with natural and light-colored stones stand out, alternating with stones mainly of lava nature which offer an important chromatic contrast as they are very dark. As soon as you arrive in this small square where there is the church of Sant'Antonio in Castiglione di Sicilia, you find yourself with a beautiful flight of steps made in Baroque and classic as is the entire church on the outside. There lava stone it guarantees an important aesthetic impact thanks also to the juxtaposition with the much lighter colored sandstone that both are also found in the bell tower. This part is characteristic because it ends in a bulb so there are most likely influences of a purely Spanish architectural and decorative style.

The internal part of the church of Sant'Antonio in Castiglione di Sicilia

Once inside the church you can appreciate various works of art among which thepipe organ created during the eighteenth century by a famous Sicilian artist, the master Andronaco. The organ is perfectly preserved as are some frescoes dating back to roughly the same period. To appreciate the marble decorations with the use of precious materials confirming how in the past this church was used as a reference point for all religious ceremonies. The interior has been developed with a single nave with a side chapel, several mosaics of various colors that make the high altar even more intriguing with its frontal medallion obviously depicting Saint Anthony the Abbot. Also worth highlighting is the wonderful tabernacle and several paintings that represent some of the most important moments in the saint's life. Among the other beauties to appreciate in this location there is a wooden statue of St. Anthony which was created by Nicola Abbagnano and a large confessional pulpit decorated with skill and with many quality engravings.

What to see in Castiglione di Sicilia

Castiglione di Sicilia is a municipality of around 3000 inhabitants which is part of the circuit of most beautiful villages in Italy not only for its urban structure but also for the various buildings of historical and cultural interest present within it such as the castle of Ruggero di Lauria who was a great admiral of Italian origin who however was in the service of the Aragonese sovereigns.
As far as religious architecture is concerned, it is absolutely worth visiting Cuba on Santa Domenica of Byzantine origins which is probably among the most important in Sicily, so much so that since 1909 it has been declared a national monument. Equally beautiful and evocative is the church of San Nicola which has a very high bell tower with a Romanesque style façade and a rose window over the main entrance. In the internal part you can appreciate numerous frescoes depicting Christ Pantocrator and the apostles. Continuing the virtual visit to the territory of Castiglione di Sicilia you can appreciate other churches of particular importance such as the church of Saints Peter and Paul with a characteristic bell tower.

How to get to Castiglione di Sicilia

To get to Castiglione di Sicilia starting from Catania you have to travel 57 km along the A18 motorway, the E45 and finally on the state road 120 for a journey lasting 60 minutes. From Caltanissetta the journey is instead 150 kilometers along the A19 and E932 motorway for a journey that takes 160 minutes.

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