The Ancient Cathedral of Santo Stefano in Milazzo

Right on the esplanade of the Walled City of Milazzo, stands one of the largest churches in the city. This is the Ancient Cathedral of Santo Stefano, also known as the Cathedral of Milazzo. The tourist who visits the Duomo will certainly be fascinated by its location, which remains within a medieval fortification which appears to be the largest and best preserved existing in Sicily.

History of the Cathedral of Milazzo

The Cathedral of Milazzo dates back to the early seventeenth century and was built in Mannerist style by Giuseppe Samonà based on a project by Camilliani.

It is located right in the immediate vicinity of the entrance to the citadel, near the Porta and to the Bastion of S. Maria. Subsequently its architecture was modified due to the fortifications made to meet the new military needs. For its construction, two churches were demolished (Sant'Antonio Abate and the church of San Nicolò) which stood on the extensive esplanade where the Town House once stood, inside the Walled City where the Castle. Even before the end of the works in 1642, which saw the construction of two chapels with apse placed on the sides of the choir, the building was consecrated by the then bishop of Messina. Towards the end of the XNUMXth century, the altar was consecrated in honor of Santo Stefano, the patron saint of Milazzo.

The Cathedral was also used as a military hospital during the war of succession which, between 1718 and 1720, involved mixed troops of the Dutch, Germans and English against the Spanish siege.

Four years later, construction was completed Chapel of Our Lady of Grace and that of the Blessed Sacrament and only in 1729 was the decoration of the apse completed. The Ancient Cathedral of S. Stefano was closed due to the damage caused by the fighting between the Bourbon troops and those of Garibaldi in July 1860.

Architecture and works of art present in the Cathedral of Milazzo

With the elevation facing north, the Cathedral of Milazzo it has a Greek cross layout with an advanced atrium. The entrances are located on the sides placed on the semi-arms, while the facade shows two architectural orders made up of paired stone pilasters hosting a richly molded and decorated cornice. The first of the two orders holds Corinthian-style capitals which frame a marble door in the shape of an arch. Right in the center of the second order of pilasters there is a large rectangular window flanked by blind oculi where a sundial and a zodiac once resided, of which only vague traces remain.

The central part has an elegant portal in Renaissance style to which sides there are two Ionic columns supporting a double symmetrical tympanum inside which there is a decoration consisting of a stele with an aedicule having a Madonna with Child always in Renaissance style.

The interior of the Ancient Cathedral of S. Stefano consists of a large atrium which allows access to a large square space which is delimited by mighty arches resting on Corinthian-style pillars. There are also four angular-shaped chapels that house inlaid marble altars and characterized by small domes.

The rectangular choir compartment forms the empty apse. The transept is located near the atrium rather than in its traditional position in the apse area.

There are many stucco decorations and works present. On the right aisle we find the Chapel of the Madonna dell'Itria with an altar dedicated to her, a second altar dedicated to the Crucifix, a last altar in honor of S. Antonio Abate and a chapel dedicated to the Madonna delle Grazie.

On the left aisle we find the Chapel of Santa Lucia with an altar dedicated to her, the Altar to S. Stefano Protomartire, the Chapel of San Nicola and the Chapel of the SS Sacramento.

What you can do around the Cathedral of Milazzo

Milazzo is a very lively and interesting town to visit. Excellent is the opportunity to explore the Walk along the Lungomare Garibaldi, as one of the meeting places of the nightlife.

To visit the sixteenth century Church of Carmine in the city center, where there is also the Apple Fountain in Piazza Caio Duilio. Also worth admiring is the historic Palazzo Proto, a well-known noble building as well as other similar buildings including Bonaccorsi and Palazzo Catanzaro - Gemelli.

For those who love greenery, they cannot fail to go to Venere pool, also known under the name of Laghetto di Venere which are located at the end of the Capo Milazzo Promontory.

Capo Milazzo is a very scenic and suggestive place that is certainly unique and can only be reached on foot. After leaving your vehicle at the very beginning of a perfectly organized route, you will be able to walk along a path enjoying an incredible panorama among prickly pears, centuries-old olive trees, caper plants, brooms and agaves.

Upon arrival, you cannot fail to notice lava stone rocks that frame the clear waters of the sea where you can spend moments of intense relaxation. It is recommended to wait for the sunset time due to the innumerable nuances created by the last rays of the sun and by the profile of the Aeolian Islands that you can see in the distance.

How is it possible to get to the Cathedral of Milazzo

By car:
Milazzo is connected with Messina, Catania and Palermo – from which it is respectively 40 and 225 km away – both by the State Road 113 and by the Messina - Palermo A20 motorway (exit at the Milazzo tollbooth).