The baroque Catania, even today, preserves some of the most precious architectural evidence of this style. Palaces, churches, cathedrals, villas. At times they hide in small and narrow streets, at times they emerge in all their beauty in the middle of vast squares. Masterpieces to be seen. Following this itinerary in ten stages.
The Sicilian baroque
Catania is one of the highest examples of Sicilian baroque. In Sicily, they did not limit themselves to “copy” the style. Architects and artists gave it its own interpretation, which made it unique: the Sicilian baroque is particular because it distinguishes itself for its sometimes extreme decoration and for its very bright colors. Elements that are found in authentic architectural masterpieces.
The itinerary
- Cathedral of Sant’Agata. It is located in Duomo square, and in fact it is also known as the Duomo of Catania. It is the main religious building in the city. The three orders of the columns in the Attic and Corinthian style of the façade, the main door with its thirty-two carved panels, the statues of St. Peter and Paul on the sides of the entrance are the main elements of the exterior. The interior is vast and grand, with a Latin cross plan, divided into three naves. It is no coincidence that we are talking about one of the most beautiful places in Catania.
- Badia di Sant’Agata. It is located exactly opposite the north elevation of the cathedral. The prospect of the abbey of Sant’Agata is modeled to give the impression of being a soft cloth just rippled by the wind. The building that can be visited today was erected on the ruins of the church and the convent dedicated to Sant’Agata.
- Fontana dell’elefante. So called for the elephant in black basalt that stands out in the body of the fountain, commonly called u Liotru. The Elephant fountain has become, to all intents and purposes, the symbol of the entire city of Catania and one of the highest examples of Baroque art.
- Fountain of the Amenano. It is at a short distance from u Liotru. The fountain was built in 1867. The young girl who keeps the cornucopia up above is the Amenano river.
- Church of San Benedetto. Dedicated to San Benedetto from Norcia, two are the architectural and decorative elements that amaze the visitor: the marble staircase at the entrance, enriched by the statues of some angels; the spectacular frescoes that decorate the interior of the church.
- Palace of the elephants. Also this building stands in Duomo square, to be precise on the north side. In its typically Baroque façade, elephants stand out, decorating the balconies’ pediments; elephants that recall the emblem of the city of Catania.
- Palazzo Biscari. This building, inside which some typical rococo elements can also be found (mainly the “party hall”), is characteristic for the complex decoration of its interiors.
- Palazzo del Toscano. Built around 1870, it has decorations, in the furnishings of the halls of representation, marble cladding and frescoes, and finally in the grand staircase its most grandiose elements.
- Dante square. Here, the Baroque architecture was expressed in two stupendous constructions: the first is the great architectural complex of the Benedictine; the second is the church of San Nicolò l’Arena, which, according to many, is the largest baroque church in Sicily.
- Church of San Biagio. Also the church of Sant’Agata alla Fornace (as this is the place where Sant’Agata was placed on the hot coals), this example of Baroque architecture is enriched by another element: it overlooks the remains of an ancient Roman amphitheatre.
Here are the places to discover the baroque Catania, the main testimonies, the monuments not to be missed before leaving. And to admire the baroque soul of this city in all its beauty, you just have to book a ferry to Sicily.
Image source: flickr.com/photos/27086904@N03
