Church of Saints Peter and Paul

La Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the Arab Norman Church of Italy, a very small municipality located in the immediate vicinity of Ionian coast of Messina.

The building is the most important place of worship in the town, as well as being a clear example of how the various peoples who have dominated the island over the centuries have blended perfectly, uniting their cultures to give us splendid architectural works that tell there history of Sicily.

In addition to this building, the city of Itala also boasts other noteworthy points of interest, such as the beautiful Fiumedinisi and Monte Scuderi Nature Reserve, which we recommend you visit if you are a true lover of nature and green spaces.

History of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Italy

There is no particular information about the origins of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, although the numerous studies carried out state that the building was completed in the final years of theXI century.
Some documents testify that the work was created following a donation received from the former abbot of Italy, a certain Gerasimus, who used the large sum to give the town a point of reference for all the faithful.

The first construction of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul recalls it Arabic style, widespread throughout the territory of Italy and beyond, which includes several buildings belonging to this architectural style so appreciated throughout Sicily.
After two centuries of Arab dominion in Sicily, the Church of Saints Peter and Paul changed thanks to the restoration works carried out by Normans, which gave it a configuration more inclined to the churches of that era.

Architecture of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Itala

If you stand in front of the entrance to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul you cannot help but notice its detail Arab-Norman style, entirely characterized by Sicilian limestone, whose bricks, of different colours, make up mosaics along the entire building, from the facade to the side elevations.

The same geometric pattern is repeated along the entire body of the building, composed of arches concentric ones that alternate with small windows.
As soon as you enter the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, you will be presented with a traditional one basilica plant with three naves, separated from each other by some arched columns, on the tops of which they are present capitals decorated with stucco and valuable high reliefs.

The three naves flow into three different ones apses, among which the central one stands out, the largest, composed of a handcrafted altar and surrounded by various artwork, Between frescoes and statues.

How to get to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Itala

The Church of Saints Peter and Paul is located in historic center of Italy, in the heart of this medieval Sicilian village, easily reachable thanks to the many connections it serves, starting from Provincial Road 29, to which are added the Highway 114 , European Route 45, routes on which the Azienda Siciliana Trasporti AST buses also travel.

Moving with regional trains you can get up to Scaletta Zanclea railway station, about 4 km away from Itala, while if you travel by plane to arrive in Sicily you can land atCatania Fontanarossa Airport, located about 90 km.

Finally, you can always count on proximity with Messina to get to Itala, separated by just 25 km, easily accessible thanks to the many connections offered by public transport and more.