Mother Church of Reitano

The village of Reitano it is located on a hill between Santo Stefano di Camastra and Mistretta and its appellation is certainly of Arab origin since it resembles the word Rahaj which means, resting place.

History of the Mother Church in Reitano

La Mother Church of Reitano ha medieval origins and it is the most significant place of worship of this village in province of Messina. Dedicated to Immaculate Madonna it has been the hub of Reitano's religious activities since the sixteenth century, the era of its supposed construction which is located right in the center of the small town. Inside is the Chapel of Sant'Erasmo and various works of art dating back to the XNUMXth century.

Architecture and any works of art present in the Mother Church in Reitano

The Mother Church of Reitano is divided into three large naves which are differentiated from each other by elegant monolithic colonnades embellished with capitals that make them even more slender. In the center is the most important nave embellished with a valuable eighteenth-century fresco depicting the twelve Apostles who are placed on the sides of the nave just above the colonnades. Central is a fresco consisting of three large canvases showing images of religious scenes that dominate the wooden high altar which has been the subject of a precious restoration that has brought it back to its former glory.
Note, at the top of the central nave, a statue depicting the Immaculate Conception, a valuable work of the Neapolitan school of the eighteenth century. The nave on the left houses the Chapel of the SS. Sacrament adorned with wooden sculptures decorated with pure gold. Opposite, i.e. on the right aisle, is the Chapel of Sant'Erasmo Bishop of Antioch which is also the Patron Saint of Reitano. During the historic persecution carried out by Emperor Diocletian, Erasmus had to flee by hiding on Mount Lebanon where, however, he was captured by Roman soldiers and tortured. Subsequently taken to Formia, he suffered his martyrdom.
At the entrance to the Mother Church in Reitano I also find a precious pneumatic organ characterized by the quality of its pipes but, unfortunately, reduced to less than optimal conditions and in need of a vigorous and appropriate restoration.
Surely notable and worthy of interest is the wooden statue of the Madonna del Carmelo, which represents the Madonna and Child perfectly restored.

What you can do around the Mother Church in Reitano

After visiting the Mother Church in Reitano, the tourist is advised to reach the valley below the village Watchtower, a building dating back to the Middle Ages which was certainly part of the defensive system of the Castle of nearby Mistretta. Currently only its ruins are visible but it offers the opportunity to understand the importance given to this building.
Some of them provoke different emotions fountains which are located at center of Reitano such as that of Serrone made entirely of squared stone which has two small fountains on its sides, and the fountain of San Sebastiano dating back to the XNUMXth century also in stone.

From Reitano you can easily reach the Nebrodi Park, the largest natural area in Sicily which has the peculiarity of offering an asymmetrical natural landscape thanks to the various modeling of its reliefs where there is a very rich vegetation as well as many humid environments ideal for a sedentary fauna.
The Nebrodi, together with the Madonie and the Peloritani form what is theSicilian Apennines, a natural area where you can immerse yourself in stimulating walks, trekking o cycling routes e MTB.

How is it possible to get to the Mother Church in Reitano

By car: from Messina, take the A20/E90 in the direction of the SS 117 at Reitano, exiting at S. Stefano di Camastra and continuing on the SS 117; from Palermo, take the E90 and then the A20 in the direction of the SS 117 in Reitano, exiting at S. Stefano di Camastra and continuing on the SS 117.