Cathedral of Santa Domenica in Mandanici

Mandanici it's a very old village, which sinks its historical roots in full Middle Ages. One of its most representative historical monuments is certainly the Cathedral of Santa Domenica which is also there patroness of the city and therefore a Saint to whom the entire population dedicates a convinced faith. The church is really very beautiful and particular and certainly deserves a visit: here is the information you need for a complete visit to the Cathedral of Santa Domenica in Mandanici.

History of the Cathedral of Santa Domenica in Mandanici

The history of the Cathedral in Mandanici is quite controversial because there are no certain sources that can date its construction. Its construction probably dates back to the seventh century, given that some noble palaces, such as the Church of Santa Domenica, which determined the urban development of Mandanici, date back to that period and have an extremely similar style. In any case, the first official document that mentions the church of Santa Domenica dates back to the fourteenth century. Its construction, however, involved different periods because the basilica plan, which provides for the presence of three naves, takes up the Cathedral of Messina which was a clear source of inspiration, while some internal parts and the external façade as it is visible today were only built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries. Precisely these differences in style, however, represent one of the most characteristic elements of the Cathedral of Santa Domenica in Mandanici.

The architecture and any works of art present in the Cathedral of Santa Domenica in Mandanici

The external structure of the Cathedral of Santa Domenica in Mandanici is made in a very simple style in white stone. The central body of the church almost clashes with the bell tower located on one of the sides, which instead has a much more accentuated decoration and Baroquein cuspidate style. Inside, the church has three naves and a wooden coffered vault. The aisles are separated from each other by two rows of columns which are of the Tuscan order. The walls of the naves, on the other hand, are richly decorated with stuccos, this too a work subsequent to its realization: between 1696 and 1711, in fact, some grandiose interior stuccos were created, immaculate, which follow the Baroque and that rococo, typical of the time of construction.

What you can do around or inside the Cathedral of Santa Domenica in Mandanici

In addition to the stuccoes, the interiors of the Cathedral of Mandanici are also embellished by some works of art of considerable value. The main work is certainly a painting depicting Santa Domenica which was made in 1768 by an artist from Messina named Giuseppe Paladino. On the other hand, the painting known by the name of Pious Women which is dated 1695 and is the work of Giacomo Tuccari.

Then there is a particular Crucifix which is made in a strange technique that mixes canvas and plaster and which is dated to the mid-1524th century but is of uncertain authorship. Finally, a painting that always arouses great emotion in the viewer is the one made in all probability by Girolamo Alibrandi shortly before his death in XNUMX, which depicts a Madonna and Child enthroned. The work is also known as Our Lady of the Basket because on the lower side of the painting there is a still life. Those who also want to discover the surroundings should not miss the Monastery of Santa Maria di Mandanici, founded in 1100.

How is it possible to get to Mandanici

Those wishing to go to Mandanici to visit the Cathedral of Santa Domenica will be able to travel by car from Messina along the A18 first and then the E45. On the other hand, those coming from Palermo will have to refer to the A20 motorway and then continue on the E90. Finally, from Agrigento you must take the A19 motorway and then continue with the E932 or the E45 to your destination. Who, on the other hand, prefers to travel on the train, will be able to stop directly at the Mandanici station, shared with the town of Roccalumera, which is located on the local Messina-Syracuse line. Finally, connections from the main Sicilian cities to Mandanici are always active thanks to the local lines of bus numbers offered by the AST company.