Nicolosi

Nicolosi is a tiny village located in the province of Catania which is rich in wonderful holy places such has its Mother Church of Santo Spirito.

The name of Nicolosi probably derives from the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicola, located in its territory since 1359. Throughout the period before the Norman domination (1061-1091), its territory was occupied by impressive forests. Later, Roger I conquered Sicily after defeating Arabs and partitioned the country into many feudal towns which he entrusted to his soldiers, the Church and the Order of the Benedictines. In this way, he and his successors were able to take advantage from the plantations controlling the economy of the island. The village has impressive holy places such as the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, built in the 16^th century on the ruins of the ancient Parish Church, has been renovated and redesigned after the 1669 eruption which completely destroyed the ancient church; the 18^th century Mother Church of Santo Spirito designed by Sicilian architect Vaccarini with a majestic Baroque style, it’s one of many “black churches” located in the Etna territory, characterized by impressive lava stone decorations and cornices; the Monastery of San Nicola, built in 1359, has a small portico with wonderful frescos. Before the violent 1669 eruption, this sacred building had a long path flanked by crenellated walls which lead to the main entrance of the monastery including a precious Baroque arch made with white stone, on which was carved the coat of arms of the building.

People live here:

7.415

How to get there:

By Car:

From Palermo

Get on A19 Palermo-Catania. Take RA15/E45 to Catania, exit SP10 Gravina Etna and continue on Nicolosi.

From Messina and Catania

Get on A18 Messina-Catania, exit Catania Nord and take RA15/E45 exit SP10 Gravina. Continue to Nicolosi.

Accommodations:

B&B La Porta dell’Etna

http://www.laportadelletna.it

B&B Notti e Dintorni