Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara di Mompilieri
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Il Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara di Mompilieri it is not a place of worship like many, but it is a real symbol for the whole village Mompilieri.
Visiting "Mumpileri" will be, for you, like discovering an enchanted place, where everything seems to have stopped at early seventeenth century, which marked the end of this ancient farmhouse due to theeruption of Etna in 1669.
History of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara di Mompilieri in Mascalucia
This Sanctuary is located within the hamlet of Mass announced, the same one that was created by the inhabitants of Mompilieri after the lava flow that destroyed the farmhouse. In fact, the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara di Mompilieri originally took the name of Sanctuary of the Madonna dell'Annunziata.
The triggering factor that led to the construction of the Sanctuary of the Madonna di Mompilieri occurred in the early years of eighteenth century, with an episode that aroused al miracle. A local inhabitant insisted that excavations be carried out at the point where the ancient church once stood, now entirely covered by lava rock.
When the excavations were completed, it was possible to recover the Simulacrum of the Madonna della Sciarawhich remained completely intact. This news was welcomed with joy by all the inhabitants of the new Massannunziata, who immediately wanted the rebuilding of a place of worship to be named after their Madonna, whose works were completed only in thenineteenth century, which was followed by numerous expansions in the following decades.
Architecture of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara di Mompilieri in Mascalucia
The external appearance of the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara enjoys one rustic stylealmost medieval, recalling the glories of the past that characterized this area. Also given the environment that surrounds it, between pristine hills, the scenario that will appear before your eyes will be postcard.
The body of the building is, therefore, very simple, with just an entrance portal and a rectangular window that break up the monochrome of the structure.
The contrast between exterior and interior is decidedly marked, being able to notice it as soon as you set foot inside the building. Gods will present themselves to you royal decor, majestic and never banal, enriched by the presence of various artwork which give it greater prestige.
It seems as if the intent of those who built the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara di Mompilieri was to recall the appearance of a large medieval chest, bare on the outside but full of treasures inside.
How to get to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara di Mompilieri in Mascalucia
The hamlet of Massannunziata, where the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Sciara di Mompilieri is located, is very close to Mascalucia, so it will be easy for you to reach it once you arrive in the city.
You can live in Mascalucia in many ways, also considering the proximity to Catania, which is less than 10 km away, where you can find numerous national and international connections, given the presence of the Catania Central Railway Station and Catania Fontanarossa Airport.
If you prefer to travel by bus, the rides of will certainly be useful Sicilian Transport Company AST, an interesting solution if you have to move from other Sicilian locations.
Alternatively, traveling by car you can get to Mascalucia along the Highway 121 , European Route 45, in addition to all the other road connections that I take up to Catania.
