The Shrine of the Holy Martyrs of Trecastagni

The Sanctuary of the Holy Martyrs of Trecastagni is one of the oldest places of worship in this locality in the province of Catania. The church has one particular story and its totally Romanesque-Lombard appearance make it exceptional in the Sicilian panorama, so much so that even alone it is worth organizing a visit to Trecastagni to see it. Here, then, all that is most important to know about the Sanctuary of SS. MM. Alfio, Filadelfo and Cirino in Trecastagni.

The Shrine of the Holy Martyrs of Trecastagni: History

There are documents dating back to 1593 and which speak of the will expressed by the confraternity of the Holy Martyrs to start the construction of a new church which would have been dedicated to the same saints. In reality, however, the actual start of the building of the church dates back to 1650 and is based on a project created by the architect Alfio Torrisi who imagined a church completely in Romanesque style but influenced by the Lombard one.

The project started from the idea of ​​enlarging a previous structure which was represented by a very small church which was also dedicated to the Holy Martyrs and of which, however, today the traces in the existing building have been lost. Precisely in 1650 Francesco D'Amico, vicar general of the diocese, gave his approval to the enlargement project and so the construction site was started. Initially only the central nave came to life which in 1662 was already in use.

We will then have to wait for 1857 for the bell tower and the years ranging from 1878 to 1884 to see the other ones completed as well two naves . In February 1928, at the behest of Cardinal Giuseppe Francica-Nava de Bondifè, it was then decided to elevate the church to the rank of sanctuary because the number of faithful who frequented it increased more and more.

The architecture and works of art present in the Sanctuary in Trecastagni

Architecturally, the church as it currently stands has a Latin cross plant . Inside, even if the signs of buildings from later periods are evident, it nevertheless retains a certain harmony which makes it very pleasant. The main facade is made in lava stone and has three sections, divided by pilasters also in lava stone. A jutting cornice then forms the basis for the next triangular-shaped tympanum which on the left side ends with a bell tower.

The latter is made in a typical Gothic style which in theory should contrast with the Romanesque one that characterizes the rest of the facade but this does not happen thanks to the use of lava stone which acts as a leitmotif of the entire extension. Particular attention deserves the left portal , entirely made of stone and probably belonging to the original church since it is noted not only that it is much older than the other two but also that it has been remodeled in size.

At the center of the main facade there is a bronze eagle holding a shield, the same motif is reported inside the structure which has been decorated since 1913 and which has very simple designs in soft colours. The barrel roof with lunette windows that allow in natural light create a truly unique atmosphere.

What you can do around the Sanctuary and in Trecastagni

Although the interior of the Sanctuary of SS.MM. Alfio Filadelfo e Cirino in Trecastagni is very simple, however there are some works of art that are worthy of note.
For example, note a fresco that shows the Apotheosis and which was painted in 1852 by Rapisardi, the same author to whom we owe the paternity of the Madonna welcoming the Holy Martyrs in her embrace, at the gates of Paradise.

However, if a visit to the Sanctuary leaves you some free time, there is so much beauty to see in its surroundings. For example, very nice is the Prince of Trecastagni , a building dating back to the seventeenth century which was built at the behest of the local lords which unfortunately is not well preserved but still gives an idea of ​​the magnificence of the time.

Few know it but Trecastagni is famous for being the town of windmills : there is a very well preserved one, dating back to the XNUMXth century, which was used to grind grain.
Finally, the tour of the village cannot fail to include a visit to the Mother Church, dedicated to San Nicola di Bari, and built in the fifteenth century.

How to get to Trecastagni

Trecastagni is just 15 km from Catania and can be easily reached in less than 20 minutes by car along the internal roads. In particular, there are two ways: the first which includes the route that includes Via del Bosco and Via Fisichelli, while the second which is a little longer as you have to go along Via Etnea.

Those coming by car from Palermo, on the other hand, will have to take the A19 motorway to the Catania Centro exit and then follow the signs for Trecastagni.
Those who prefer the bus will find the service offered by the ATS company very convenient, which connects Catania with Trecastagni several times a day.

Finally, the reference railway station is that of Acireale since the locality does not have its own: from there it is then possible to continue with the local bus service.