Cattedrale di Sant'Agata
Catania
The Cathedral of Sant'Agata is Catania's religious heart, dedicated to the city's patron saint. Founded by the Normans and rebuilt in Baroque style after the earthquakes, it holds the saint's relics and the tomb of the composer Vincenzo Bellini. A stop of faith, art and tradition along the Catanian treasure map.
History
The cathedral was founded at the end of the 11th century by the Norman count Roger, on top of a Roman bath building, as a fortress-church. Damaged by the earthquake of 1169 and almost destroyed by that of 1693, it was rebuilt in Baroque style. Of the Norman church, the transept and the lava-stone apses survive.
What to see
The façade, by Giovanni Battista Vaccarini, combines white marble and ancient granite columns. Inside are the relics of Sant'Agata, kept in the chapel dedicated to her, and the tomb of the famous Catanian composer Vincenzo Bellini. Don't miss the Norman apses and the 19th-century dome.
Curiosities
The granite columns of the façade are ancient and perhaps come from the city's Roman theatre. Sant'Agata is celebrated every year from 3 to 5 February with one of the biggest religious festivals in Italy, which brings hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets.
How to visit
The cathedral faces Piazza del Duomo and is easy to reach on foot. Entry is usually free. Don't miss the chapel of Sant'Agata and Bellini's tomb. The festival period, in February, is the ideal time to understand how much she means to Catanians.
