The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Valverde

In the province of Catania, the village of Valverde is known for hosting one of the oldest sanctuaries on the island, the one dedicated to Maria Santissima di Valverde.

The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Valverde originated from legend which narrates that the Blessed Virgin appeared to Dionysius who converted before committing another crime.

Architecture and works of art present at the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valverde

It is unknown exactly when the first church of Santa Maria di Valverde was built, which tradition dates back to half of the thirteenth century, around an already existing aedicule depicting the image of the Madonna desired by the population who had settled here to leave the insecure coast. However, since 1223 the Confraternity of Mercy has been present inside the church and this suggests its very ancient origin.

The church has undergone several changes as evidenced by documents dating back to the mid-sixteenth century. It was magnified the nave and raised the bell tower where the dates 1559 and 1578 can be seen engraved.

Work had probably not yet begun when a terrible earthquake in 1693, which destroyed part of the historical-artistic heritage of eastern Sicily but which caused only minor damage to the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valverde. He took advantage of this to transform the structure and resize the apse, carrying out other modifications which only ended at the beginning of the eighteenth century.

Of the original facade only its terminal part remains with the sloping roof and the last order of the bell tower on the base of which the date 1559 is engraved.
The fifteenth century is maintained entrance portal round with spiral columns characterized by elegant floral motifs in the band of capitals. Near the bell tower, there is the seventeenth-century portal in white stone.

What is possible to do in Valverde and the surrounding areas

After visiting the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima in Valverde, which is undoubtedly one of the most important religious places in the country, it is also possible to visit the Church of Santa Maria della Misericordia, built in 1507. The facade of the church is simple and elegant in its lines, with lava stone masterfully worked as carving stone.

From the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Valverde every year the celebrations of the patronal feast of Santa Maria a Valverde. This is certainly a very heartfelt appointment and not to be missed if you go to visit the country.

Valverde is located about 20 km from Catania and it is therefore very easy to reach it and visit the liveliest city in Sicily, considered the most modern, sparkling and lively. A tour in Catania certainly starts from the Cathedral of Sant'Agata and the famous Piazza Duomo, with the famous Elephant Fountain, the fish market with its Fish Market and then continues with the Ursino Castle and Via Etnea.

How is it possible to get to the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima di Valverde

Valverde it is a location in province of Catania which is easily accessible by car, from any point in Sicily.

Those coming from Messina, for example, will have to choose the A18 motorway while those coming from Palermo will have to prefer the A19 instead. For both roads, then, the next step is that of the RA15 with the Catania Centro or Paese Etnei exit to reach your destination.
From Catania there is also a local bus service that has a good daily frequency: the company that guarantees the connection is ATS and there is a stop right in Valverde.

The locality does not have its own train station, so those who prefer to travel on the train it must have the Acireale one as a reference and from there continue by bus to its destination.