sight

The illusion of movement

The interior of the church creates a continuously moving illusory effect thanks to some of its characteristic elements: the lateral arcades, the vault and the apse arcade seems to bring the gaze towards the altar. With its countless stuccoes and frescoes, the vault creates the sensation of partici...
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touch

The illusion of marble: marble stucco

Marble stucco is an ancient technique that tends to imitate marble and is far cheaper. The finish of this type of stucco can be of such high quality that it is indistinguishable from natural marble....
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hearing

The songs of the Benedictine nuns

During the feast of St. Agatha, the statue of Catania's patron saint would be carried in front of the church and left there for some time so that from above, behind the gratings, the devout Benedictine nuns could honour the Saint with singing and prayer. Currently the rite continues at the church ...
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smell

The scent of wax

The smell of wax is one of the most characteristic scents within the church and in the streets of Catania during the celebrations of the patron saint. Votive candles are still produced today in Catania's artisanal workshops using techniques and raw materials steeped in ancient knowledge. There w...
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sight

Panoramic views to contemplate beauty

The Badia di Sant'Agata (St. Agatha's Abbey) offers many panoramic viewpoints for contemplating the beauty of the entire historic centre. It's certainly worth taking the long staircase that leads to the upper terraces and the walkway that surrounds the dome. From here you can admire the entire city...
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sight

Scenography and wonder

The cathedral of Sant'Agata (St. Agatha) is set in a truly unique environmental and architectural context. Its scenographic composition never fails to amaze. Your gaze will meander through the domes, the multiple viewpoints offered by the square, and Etna in the background. Its unique beauty chang...
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touch

The difference between marble and lava stone

Marble and lava stone, which have very different physical and aesthetic characteristics, are the two most common materials in the construction of the Cathedral of Sant'Agata (St. Agatha). This contrast, which is already perceptible to the naked eye, becomes immediately clear when touching the mater...
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hearing

In memory of Bellini

The church has an unbreakable bond with music. The cathedral of St. Agatha is not only home to a magnificent organ, now located above the entrance, but it also houses the remains of the great composer Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835). Though he died very young, he was recognised as one of the greatest ...
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sight

The journey of the Sun

The hall of feasts, or yellow room, hosted banquets and social events to which all the nobles of the surrounding area were invited. Our attention is drawn to the room's ceiling fresco, where Apollo is depicted driving the chariot of the Sun. In this representation the sun takes the same exact pa...
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hearing

The voices of the Infiorata festival

If we lived in Palazzo Nicolaci and were in one of the rooms overlooking Via Corrado Nicolaci, on the third Sunday in May we would hear voices in the street. On this day, the Saluto alla Primavera (Greeting to Spring) is celebrated, also known as the Infiorata, which attracts many people to Noto. ...
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