Shrine of Our Lady of the Letter in Riposto

The oldest building in Riposto, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, is the Shrine of Our Lady of the Letter, whose origins date back to the Norman era, although today the Sanctuary appears to us in its nineteenth-century appearance.

This building, dedicated to the Patron Saint of Messina, actually also houses an ancient and very particular underground place: the crypt of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Lettera in Riposto. It is here that objects and materials from the Norman, but also Byzantine era were found, allowing us to identify the construction period of the structure. The walls, however, made it possible to date the previous churches, which stood on the site of the current Sanctuary, to 1100 and 1500.

The architecture of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Lettera in Riposto and what to admire inside

The crypt of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Lettera a Riposto is located under the sacred building, where the town cemetery once stood; here, in fact, you can still see the numerous skeletons resting in the crypt.
On the walls, in stone and brick, it is still possible to admire frescoes, but also engravings, bas-reliefs and other funerary or commemorative decorations.
In the crypt, there is a niche where all the members of a single family were buried together and not far away is the well. The well is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic attractions of this place, in fact as the tide changes the water level decreases or increases, even wetting the ground.

What to do at the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Lettera in Riposto and in the surrounding area

Visiting the crypt of the Sanctuary is one of the most intense experiences for those arriving in Riposto, on a visit or on holiday. Go down to the underground, between history and art, is the advice we give to all enthusiasts.

But in Riposto there are also other attractions to dedicate time to during a stay in the town: let's start with the Church itself, the Sanctuary Church: renovated in 1868, it houses valuable works of sacred art, such as the eighteenth-century canvas by Giuseppe Zacco, which reproduces an ancient Byzantine icon. In the center, you will also find the Saint Peter Basilica, whose shapes are inspired by the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome; also visit the Carmel Church , Abbey Church.

Continue your tour in the direction of Palace of the Natoli Princes and Palazzo Comunale, among the most important civil architecture in the country.
To also enjoy the greenery and nature in Riposto, go to Villa Edoardo Pantano and then al seafront, also named after the patriot writer.

In Riposto there is the Kentie Park Botanical Educational Museum, but also the Allegra House, Wine Museum: don't miss the opportunity to discover everything about the local product par excellence and also enjoy the flavors of the Sicilian table, such as fish dishes, to order at the restaurant.

After a culinary break, you can set off to discover the surroundings: from Riposto you can reach Catania in just 29 km; in the city, you will experience an entire day dedicated to the great Sicilian art, visiting the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, the Ursino Castle and the Church of San Benedetto, Piazza del Duomo and Palazzo Biscari, but naturally feel free to wander around the city , even without a specific destination: the beauties you will encounter will undoubtedly leave you breathless.

If after a lot of walking, you feel the desire for a few hours of pure relaxation, go to the beach without delay: here between the sun and the sea, you can recharge, ready for a new day. The beaches we recommend are those between Riposto and Catania, where without straying too far from the centre, you will find a beautiful sea and equipped beaches. Stop by Praiola beach, at Capo Mulini or at Catania beach, where between the center and Aci Castello you will also find places to visit along the coast, such as the Norman Castle of Aci.

How to get to Riposto

Riposto, in the Metropolitan City of Catania, can be easily reached by train, but also by car.

By train, you get off directly at Giarre Riposto station, which is located 1 km from the centre; if you prefer travel by car, take the A18 Messina-Catania and continue until the exit for Giarre, which is located approximately 4 km from the town.