The Church of San Giuseppe in Graniti

In the territory of Graniti, in the province of Messina, there is the Church of San Giuseppe a Graniti which is a very modern structure which however has its own particular charm. It can be an excellent excuse, however, to organize a visit to this small village which will allow you to discover an area rich both from a historical and cultural point of view, for a weekend dedicated to charm and good food.

The history of the Church of San Giuseppe a Graniti

The church in Graniti is, as has already been underlined, a very modern structure. However, the currently existing building was built on one that was certainly older but of which no trace has survived.

An important note relating to the Church of San Giuseppe a Graniti is the presence, in the rear part of the complex, of the Antoniano orphanage which is currently run by the Capuchin nuns of the Congregation of the Sacred Heart. The foundation of this center dedicated to the most unfortunate children is due to the action of Monsignor Francesco Maria di Francia and is still active today. For the rest of the church there are no particular elements that can concern its history or the origins of its birth.

Architecture and works of art

From an architectural point of view, the Church of San Giuseppe a Graniti it has a three-arched plan which can also be seen from the main facade. The latter is covered with white basalt stone, which gives it a very simple appearance, in pure Romanesque style. On the main facade there are three doors, a larger central one and two lateral ones, flanked by thin columns with a very simple capital. On the main portal there is also a rose window with a window. The basalt staircase leading to the main door is very beautiful.

Inside the structure is simple, with a small canopy protecting the main entrance and a white marble altar. There are no pictorial or sculptural works of particular value, apart from some small sculptures which are present inside the main altar and which can be attributed to a Capuchin monk of whom, however, there is no other information, not even his name.

Obviously the interiors are adorned but it's about sculptures and paintings that were created in the modern era and which do not have a particular history. Worthy of note, however, is a Saint Joseph with Child and the reproduction of a small cave with the Madonna in adoration. Finally, worth mentioning is a wooden pulpit, positioned just before the transept, which is from the modern era but is richly decorated and inlaid.

What to see in Graniti and in the vicinity of the Church of San Giuseppe in Graniti

Graniti not only offers its visitors the Church of San Giuseppe in Graniti but it can be the ideal destination for a cultural tour of a few days to discover the other beauties of this area. First of all it must be said that the village is located within the Alcantara park which contains some natural jewels such as the famous Gorges which deserve more than a superficial visit.

However, for those who want to limit themselves to the other peculiarities of Graniti, without leaving the municipality, we should mention the Church of San Sebastiano which, although like that of San Giuseppe was built in the twentieth century, however, has a beautiful neoclassical structure. Another church in Graniti that deserves a visit is that of San Basilio which is located in the medieval part of the town and has a facade built around 1600 and the interior which dates back to the eighteenth century. In the municipal villa of Graniti it is then possible to admire the monument to the fallen of the World War I which has been embellished with numerous sculptures by the artist Joseph Mazzullo to whom a museum in the city has also been dedicated.

Graniti, however, is also a land of excellent crops and organizes some unmissable events for those with a sweet tooth, such as those dedicated to the different types of cherries produced on its territory or that of sausage and wine. At Christmas, the appointment to mark on the calendar is obviously the one linked to the setting up of a large living nativity scene that attracts visitors from every area of ​​Sicily and beyond. At Carnival, on the other hand, there is the parade of allegorical floats which require at least a year of preparation and, at each edition, are dedicated to a different theme.

How is it possible to get to Graniti

People who are interested in reaching Graniti to visit the church of San Basilio Magno and beyond have various means at their disposal. Certainly one of the most convenient is the car: from Messina and Catania the reference motorway is the A18, with the Taormina or Giardini di Naxos exit. Those who prefer to reach Graniti by train can leave from Messina and Catania to get to the Alcantara station which is the one closest to Graniti and does not have its own railway station. From Messina there is also a bus service which is guaranteed by the AST - Azienda Siciliana Trasporti and which connects all the small towns nearby.