Catania

The senses tell the story of the Church of the Badia di Sant’Agata

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: the Bellini Theatre, the Cathedral, the Ursino Castle, the churches of Via Crociferi and all the artistic marvels that the city of Catania has to offer.
zoom cupola panoramica dalla cupola

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 were originally two types of candles: those made with beeswax, which were more refined and expensive, and those made with animal fat, which were far cheaper but gave off an unpleasant smell and smoke.

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The Duomo di San Giorgio (Cathedral of St. George)

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The articulated interior spaces

Palazzo Zacco, a balance between sobriety and decoration

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The new roads of the city

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The beginning of an authentic Baroque conception

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The eagle-shaped city

The senses tell the story of the Church of the Badia di Sant’Agata

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The senses tell of Palazzo della Cancelleria

The interior and works of art

The illusion of light and the decorative splendour

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The church and the monastery

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Expanded spaces, stucco and colourful lights

The dynamics of the Church of San Michele

The Madonna dei Conadomini and the art of devotion

San Domenico and Gagliardi’s work

St. Agatha and the candelore

Baroque creativity: recurring themes

The Benedictines’ library

A compromise between Neoclassicism and Baroque

The city within the city

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The Badia di Sant’Agata (St. Agatha’s Abbey)

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The freedom of worship and the Catholic Church’s role in the diffusion of Baroque

The interior of the church: space and colour

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City and nature

Unusual iconographies: the Burgos crucifix

The art of maiolica

The senses tell about Palazzo Beneventano

Madonna of the Militia: a singular warrior virgin

Garden of Novices and the restorations by Giancarlo De Carlo

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A new site for the church of San Giorgio

The Monastery of the Benedictine nuns

Religious architecture

Palazzo Trigona di Canicarao

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Geometry and wonder in civic architecture in the Baroque of the Val di Noto

The Franciscan convent

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The Church of Madonna della Stella

A heritage of votive works

Scenography and devotion for St. Agatha

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The church of San Nicolò l’Arena: the majesty of an unfinished beauty

The senses tell about Palazzo Trigona

Altars, saints and sculptural works

The Church of St. Benedict

The Staircase of Angels

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Baroque and the loss of balance in the 16th century

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The Infiorata of Noto, a modern tradition

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The smallest Greek theatre in the world

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