Cathedral of San Nicolò in Roccavaldina

Il historic center of Roccavaldina, a small town in the Messina area, is governed by the architectural beauty of the Cathedral of San Nicolò, also known by residents as the Mother Church of San Nicola di Bari.

This building, in addition to being the point of reference for all the believers of "Roccavaddina", as the hamlet is called by the residents, is entitled to the Patron Saint of Roccavaldina. In fact, it is from here that the annual liturgies and appointments of the Church begin Feast of St. Nicholas of Bari.

During your stay in the city, we suggest you visit its most important points of interest, where, in addition to the Cathedral of Roccavaldina, you can find other examples of history and traditions, such as the Castle of Roccavaldina el 'Ancient Pharmacy.

History of the Cathedral of San Nicolò in Roccavaldina

The origins of the Cathedral of San Nicolò are still uncertain, as many historical documents have been lost over the centuries. However, very important data can be obtained from what remains in the municipal archive.
Indeed, already during the era in which he reigned Frederick III of Aragon, so between the end of Two hundred and the beginning of Three hundred, there was a small place of worship in Roccavaldina dedicated to St. Nicholas of Bari, built on the ruins of an older building, probably a small chapel dedicated to the Most Holy Mary and Jesus.

The first construction of the Cathedral of San Nicolò was commissioned by Giovanni Rocca, the first feudal lord of this territory, as well as the architect of the first expansionist process of Roccavaldina, so much so that he is still remembered today as the true and proper founder of this hamlet.
In Quattrocento, a violent earthquake damaged the entire Roccavaldina, destroying many of its buildings, including the Cathedral of San Nicolò itself, which was promptly rebuilt a few years later.

Although numerous restoration interventions have followed over the centuries, the Cathedral of Roccavaldina still appears today with the same style in which it was conceived, showing itself as one of the most representative buildings of the rocky town.

Architecture of the Cathedral of San Nicolò in Roccavaldina

The Cathedral of San Nicolò presents one Renaissance style, which you can already notice in its facade, developed on a single order. It is made up of three entrance portals, surmounted by windows, both square and ovoid oculi.
On the left side is the bell tower of the Cathedral of San Nicolò, very similar in style, but richer in details, especially in the part of the belfry, in which openings, loopholes and high reliefs embellish its details.

Inside the Cathedral of San Nicolò you can find a basilica plan, with three naves separated by splendid arched columns, in which you cannot but notice the Corinthian capitals decorated with stucco.
You can also admire a large number of works of art, from marble chapels to statues, from paintings on canvas to frescoes.

How to get to the Cathedral of San Nicolò in Roccavaldina

Being in the historic center of Roccavaldina, you can easily get to the Cathedral of San Nicolò. It is equally easy to reach this town too, as it is served Provincial Road 58, which is also crossed every day by buses Sicilian Transport Company AST.

If you travel by regional train you can arrive directly at Torregrotta railway station, which is about 5 km from Roccavaldina, while if you are forced to travel by plane to reach Sicily, you can land at theCatania Fontanarossa Airport, about 130 km away.

Its capital Messina it is located about 30 km away, where you can find numerous other connections and services to be able to move easily throughout its territory.