Mother Church of San Lorenzo in Aidone

The history of the Mother Church in Aidone

Imposing and almost solitary, it stands at Aidone, Mother Church of San Lorenzo, built inXNUMXth century AD in the Sicilian village of the Free Municipal Consortium of Enna.
The ancient structure of the origins was partially destroyed by 1693 earthquake, in which many of the components of the church were lost, with the exception of the large portal.
After the earthquake, the church was almost completely rebuilt with ancient materials, recovered from the rubble, which are still visible in today's structure. Instead added from scratch, in the XNUMXth century, were the bell tower and the side chapels.
The history of the Mother Church is inextricably linked to the cult of Saint Lawrence Martyr, Patron Saint of Aidone starting from the XNUMXth century, because it is said that the Saint saved the town by leaving the door of the Mother Church and burning the stall of a merchant suffering from plague, who had camped near the churchyard, and thus managed to protect Aidone from the spread of the disease. In the same church, therefore, the relics of the Holy Martyr and many of the sacred furnishings, which were previously kept in the convent of Santa Caterina.
Today the Mother Church of San Lorenzo Martire in Aidone is one of the most important and ancient ecclesiastical buildings in the town, an important religious center for the community, but also an interesting destination for tourists and pilgrims who wish to admire ancient testimonies of the history of the island.

The Mother Church in Aidone: ecclesiastical architecture and works of art

The original complex of the Mother Church of San Lorenzo in Aidone dates back to the XNUMXth century, as evidenced by theNorman architecture, still clearly visible in the layout of the Church.
In fact, despite the damage caused by the earthquake in 1693, some original elements of the building are still visible, such as the rectangular plan, the Gothic portal with a pointed arch and some parts of the apse area.
In the seventeenth century, due to the earthquake, the parts that made the Church exactly as we see it today were added, in particular two side chapels and the bell tower.
Entering the church, whose decorations are of eighteenth-century origin, you can visit the Museum of the Mother Church of San Lorenzo and admire statues, religious vestments, painted canvases with sacred scenes and the relic of the Patron Saint, as well as some parts of the original church, which are located near theApse.

Mother Church in Aidone: things to do besides mass.

Naturally, the Mother Church of San Lorenzo in Aidone is a place of worship where all the faithful who wish can go to attend mass. But the church is also a place of pilgrimage for tourists who want to admire the Norman architecture in Sicily and also some examples of sacred art that are kept here. The Museum it was opened in 2011 and is located in the old Sacristy. Here you can also see the ancient organ of the church, recently restored and the Treasury of San Lorenzo, including the silver reliquary in the shape of the Saint's arm, the beautiful painting of the Our Lady of Grace and the Missal with the silver cover.
In Aidone, however, there are other architectural beauties that can be admired even during a short stay: the Church of San Domenico, characterized by the ashlar facade, the Convent of the Capuchins , Adelasia Tower, At the Church of Santa Maria La Cava are some of the most beautiful examples of religious architecture in the area, but there are also historic buildings such as the castellaccio, medieval ruins of the castle that dominated Aidone from its height or the Pietratagliata Castle, dating back to the XNUMXth century and built on foundations Byzantine.
Leaving the village, it is possible to immerse yourself in nature at the Gornalunga river, overlook the banks of the Ogliastro lake or visit the ancient site of Greek origin at Morgantina, where you can admire evidence of prehistoric life on the island, but also remains of the passage of the ancient Greeks.
The ancient city is located at the foot of the Mount Citadel and can be reached in just under a quarter of an hour by car from the center of Aidone, where the Mother Church of San Lorenzo is located.
Finally, before planning a trip to the province of Enna, it is also advisable to keep an eye on the calendar of village festivals and festivals that take place in Sicily at various times of the year.

How to get to the Mother Church in Aidone

The Mother Church is located nearby Castle, in Via Roma, in the north-western area of ​​the town.
Reaching Aidone is easy: the town, in fact, is very well connected with the main cities of the island, thanks to the Palermo-Catania motorway: from the A19 it is necessary to take the exit for Agira, about 16 km away from Aidone, or choose the Mulinello exit, 17 km.
By train, get off at Catania Central Station, which is about 56 km away, while the Caltanissetta Central Station is closer, 35 km away. Both railway stations are connected to the town with private buses and shuttles.