Historical records about the foundation of the church in the 12th century include one by Catania-born abbot Vito M. Amico, who lived in the 18th century: “Under the fortress, on the highest point of the hill, is the main sacred church dedicated to the Beata Vergine Assunta, commonly known as the church of the Monte, but was once dedicated to San Nicolò Vescovo, from every part conspicuous for the size of the building and the bell tower”.
