Duomo Antico di Santo Stefano

The old cathedral was built from 1607 onwards in the Mannerist style. The consecration took place in 1616 before the work was completed, and it was not finished until 1642. From 1718 to 1720, during the "War of Succession", the cathedral was temporarily converted into a military hospital and the women's monastery into a grain store. Following the clashes between Garibaldi's troops and the Bourbons on 20 July 1860, the church was damaged and vandalised, leading to its closure. From 1937, a new cathedral was built, which gave the old cathedral its present name.

About this building

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Monuments

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons/Effems

Chiesa del Rosario

The Church of the Rosary and the adjoining convent of the Dominican Order is a religious complex whose construction began in 1538 on the site of the 15th-century church of San Leonardo. In 1589, the convent was elevated to the status of a priory. The church and the convent underwent important changes in the 18th century, the upper oculus was transformed into a rectangular window with a frame in 1705, and the side windows were made without frames in 1790. Since 1968, the church, elevated to the rank of parish church, has been entrusted to the care of the Capuchin Fathers and has recently returned to the diocese of Messina.

Wikimedia Commons/Effems

Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore

The Church of the Holy Saviour dates from 1622 and its façade was remodelled in 1755. After the unification of Italy, the monastery annexed to the church was abolished, and the church and the confiscated property reverted to the municipality. In 1922, the municipality donated the facilities to the nearby orphanage. In 1923, the building was transformed into the "Regina Margherita" orphanage for girls. In 1959, a collapse affected part of the church vault, causing serious damage to the artistic and liturgical furnishings.

Wikimedia Commons/Clemensfranz

Chiesa dell'Immacolata Concezione

The Church of the Immaculate Conception and the convent of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchins form a religious complex dating from the mid-17th century. The church was extended between 1889 and 1892, and the new Capuchin convent was built next door. In 1935, the bell tower was built. In 1943, the Anglo-American bombing caused damage.