Mother Church of Florida

Via Crispi no. 2, in Floridia in the Libero Municipal Consortium of Syracuse, is the address of the Mother Church of Florida, Parish of San Bartolomeo. Here the story begins in 1825, when the new Mother Church is dedicated to San Bartolomeo, replacing the old Parish, dedicated to Our Lady of Providence.

The history and culture of the place meet in the Church, where scholars have often wondered about the origins of the name of the Mother Church, not considering it possible that this title could be traced back to a popular desire, much less to an autonomous choice of locals. Instead, the most recent studies show that the Bonanno family, who had the church built, had properties in Lipari, where the relics of San Bartolomeoas well as a pilgrimage destination. It was the Bonanno family, therefore, who brought the cult of San Bartolomeo from Lipari to the eastern coast of Sicily.

The architecture of the Mother Church of Floridia and the works it houses

La Church of San Bartolomeo in Floridia immediately presents itself with its graceful beauty: the central body firmly anchored to the ground and enriched by chapels and sacristy, the magnificent Clock tower which rises upwards from the main elevation and the neutral colored interiors, make the sacred building particularly impressive.

The main facade is divided into three orders, with the imposing tower which also houses the main door of the building and is the only order to be completed, in fact some of the architectural elements originally envisaged in the project are missing from the two upper levels.

The plan of the building is a Latin cross and inside the central body is divided into three naves by arches and columns, while the apse area is particularly extensive, where the High Altar is located.

Inside the church, the decoration of the vault near the apse is particularly beautiful.

What to do at the Mother Church of Floridia and in the surroundings

The Mother Church of Floridia is located in the heart of the historical center of the town: a visit to the Church, to gather in prayer even on vacation and to discover the architectural beauties of the Mother Church, can follow or precede a delightful walk in the centre: Floridia is a country populated by about 21.000 inhabitants and offers visitors many attractions.

Among the sacred buildings of the town, we recommend a visit to the Church of Sant'Antonio, to Church of the Madonna del Carmine where you will also find the crypt, alle Churches of San Francesco d'Assisi and the Holy Spirit: the places of Catholic worship are very numerous in the town, and you can discover them all with beautiful walks.

In the center there are also several historic palaces, which are of interest to visitors: the Palazzo Comunale and Casaccio Palace which houses the library, while in via Archimede you will find the Nunzio Bruno Ethnographic Museum, to discover the peasant trades, now disappeared.

Among the other attractions that await you in Floridia and its surroundings, here is the Spampinato quarry in Contrada Monastrello, crossed by the Cifalino stream. History has left indelible traces here, from the archaeological finds of the rocky necropolises to the testimonies of the Greek period.

There are many attractions in the village and a few kilometers away: organize one Florida vacation is the perfect idea for a stay rich in culture, history and nature, but also relaxation and taste: prickly pears in Marsala, shrimp and mint salad, ricotta meatballs, are just some of the typical dishes of Syracuse cuisine, which you can enjoy in local restaurants.

The Ionian coast of Sicily is less than 20 km from the centre, excellent news for all sea lovers.

How to get to the Mother Church of Floridia

Floridia is a fairly large town, about 13 km from the city and the beach: it is easy for visitors and tourists to reach the centre, by car or train: by car it can be reached via the Catania-Siracusa motorway, taking the exit for Siracusa Nord, which is located just 4,8 km from the centre; on the train, by booking a ride to Syracuse, you can get off at the station, which is only 11 km from Floridia and continue the journey by bus or shuttle.