Church of Sant'Antonio in Floresta

One of the most characteristic elements of the village in the province of Messina can certainly be considered the church of Sant'Antonio in Floresta. The structure has a rather troubled history, closely linked to that of the village. For those who want to know more and discover this little wonder, here is all the information you need to visit the church of Sant'Antonio in Floresta.

History of the church of Sant'Antonio in Floresta

The history of the church of Sant'Antonio da Padova in Floresta begins in 1600, when the first structure was built. However, the building that is visible today in the western part of the village was only built in the early years of Nine hundred, after the previous church had been heavily damaged during a violent earthquake.

However, this is not the only important intervention given that the church dedicated to Sant'Antonio has recently been the subject of a profound restructuring intervention, to safeguard the oldest part of the structure which corresponds to its facade. Together with the church of Sant'Anna, which is also the mother church, the church of Sant'Antonio represents one of the oldest buildings in the entire village of Floresta.

The architecture and any works of art present in the church of Sant'Antonio

One of the elements that most strikes visitors who come to admire the church of Sant'Antonio in Floresta is certainly represented by its simplicity. The building, in fact, has a essential plant, characterized by a single nave with an altar in the rear part.

The exterior is completely made of untreated stone: it is a local material, so even in this small detail the great link between the religious structure and the history of the village is evident. Very beautiful carved wooden portal, which stands out extremely from the stone of the facade. Finally the top of the building is underlined by a simple iron crucifix.

The interior of the church respects this simplicity and does not have any particular decorations, however it stands out wooden statue which depicts Saint Anthony and which is the simulacrum that is carried in triumph every year on the occasion of the official holiday.

What is possible to do in the surroundings of the church of Sant'Antonio

A visit to the church of Sant'Antonio a Floresta could be the right opportunity to set out to discover this village in the province of Messina. The sightseeing tour can only start from the historic center, characterized by alleys with cobblestone paving and balconies with iron railings and flowers. Next to the church of Sant'Antonio you can admire the Palazzo Comunale, originally a noble building built in the nineteenth century.

Also not to be missed is the church of Sant'Anna, which houses some works of art of great beauty such as the sculptural group representing the saint in the company of Madonna and Child, as well as a painting by Tindari representing the Virgin.

The Museum of Rural Civilization, however, houses all the tools of the trade of the laborers of previous centuries but also a permanent collection of medicinal herbs. An ideal time to visit Floresta is that of Spring Festival, an event held in June which also takes visitors to discover the Nebrodi Park.

How is it possible to get to Floresta

Those who wish to reach the village to visit the church of Sant'Antonio da Padova in Floresta can start from Messina and take the A20 first and then the E90, the same road that those who come from Palermo will also have to take.

Da Catania the most suitable road is the one that involves passing first on the A18 and then on the E45 while from Syracuse it is advisable to take the E45 and then the Ss284, the latter road is also recommended for those leaving from Caltanissetta.

Da Agrigentofinally, you can choose the SS640. Floresta does not have its own railway station but those who wish to travel by train can refer to those of Gioiosa Marea and Capo d'Orlando and then continue with the local bus lines made available by the AST company.