The Parish of Sant'Alfio in Vara

The Parish of Sant'Alfio in Vara is located in one panoramic position which opens the view of Etna and the wonderful sea of ​​Sicily, near Piazza Duomo.

The town is a small town in the Metropolitan City of Catania squeezed between the Etna and Nebrodi parks, in a breathtaking panorama that embraces the mountains and the sea. The heart of the community of Sant'Alfio is the Church of Sant'Alfio, Cirino e Filadelfo, a parish dedicated to the martyr brothers who lived in the XNUMXrd century AD

It is said that the three brothers brought to martyrdom towards Lentini traveled chained to heavy wooden beams, but along the road and precisely where the town now stands, the three brothers were freed from the beams, thanks to a powerful and miraculous gust of wind .
The village and the church therefore owe their name to the martyrs of Lentini and already in 1600 the first stones were laid for the construction of the Mother Church dedicated to them.

Over the following century, the sacred building began to assume ever greater importance in the growing community; therefore the religious needs of the population became ever greater and so was the church expanded , designed by Maestro Antonio Pelluzza of Acireale.

The original building was therefore incorporated into a larger building, capable of accommodating all the faithful. In the mid-1800th century the church began to take on its current appearance and towards the end of the XNUMXs it was already full of the beautiful sacred furnishings which still characterize it today.

In the Church of Sant'Alfio in Vara Sant'Alfio the stories of fellow citizens born and lived with it are kept and the community of the faithful, still closely linked to its parish, celebrates its martyrs in the month of May with celebrations in the church.

The Parish of Sant'Alfio in Vara: architecture and works

The history of the Church of Sant'Alfio in Vara Sant'Alfio is inextricably linked to its architecture, since the numerous interventions that have taken place over the centuries have strongly influenced its current appearance.

The original plan, simple and smaller than the current one, was enlarged into a body divided into three naves with the addition of the transept. In this way, the original church is now positioned in the front part of the central nave.

The church is accessed by climbing the steps of a lava stone staircase and covered with stones appears all the high, dark and imposing facade of the sacred building, built with stones from Etna after the partial reconstruction of the first post-war period. Three portals correspond to the three internal naves on the façade, while in the center stands the bell tower which overlooks the entire church.

Entering the building, you can admire the marble floors, balustrades and pulpit, sacred furnishings from the late nineteenth century which also include the altars, with light and dark tones.

Particular during the day, due to its stone cladding, the Church of Sant'Alfio in Vara Sant'Alfio is also to be admired in the evening, when illuminated by the lights of the bell tower it appears even more majestic.

The Parish of Sant'Alfio in Vara: what to do in the surrounding area

The Church is the town's parish and all the faithful, residents or tourists, can gather here in prayer; the building can be chosen as first step of a tour of the area, starting right from Vara Sant'Alfio. After admiring the beautiful facade and the elegant interiors of the Church, you can continue with a tour of the town which already begins in Piazza del Duomo, with the Town Hall housed in one of the palaces located in the centre.

Another church to visit is that of Calvario, from which you can also admire the surrounding landscape. Continuing the visit to Sant'Alfio one cannot overlook the Chestnut of the Hundred Horses, a thousand-year-old tree which according to legend was a refreshment point for Queen Giovanna D'Angiò, accompanied by a hundred knights. Between history and legend, Vara Sant'Alfio offers its visitors many suggestive locations to spend a pleasant holiday among the vineyards.

Moving away from the town, you can also stop in the surrounding area. In the immediate vicinity you can reach the Etna Park, where to do excursions , trekking and birdwatching, while heading towards the coast can be reached Taormina , Acireale or Catania, where you can admire other priceless artistic and natural beauties.

The Parish of Sant'Alfio in Vara: how to get there

The Church of Sant'Alfio in Vara Sant'Alfio is located in Via Guglielmo Marconi; the town can be reached by train, getting off at the Giarre-Riposto station, which is about 5 km from the centre.
Those who prefer to travel by car can reach the town via the A18 motorway, taking the Giarre exit and continuing to their destination.