Santa Venerina

Santa Venerina is a city in the Province of Catania in the Italian region Sicily, with 8440 inhabitants ( 31 December 2012).

Location and data

Santa Venerina is located 31 km north of Catania on the eastern slope of Mount Etna. The inhabitants mainly work in agriculture and the production of alcohol and liquors.

The neighboring municipalities are Acireale, Giarre and Zafferana Etnea.

History

The discovery of some gold and silver coins have proven that the place was inhabited since Roman times. During the Byzantine era the church of Santo Stefano was built with a three- choir - conditioning. With the arrival of the Normans ( 1064-1194 ), the Benedictine monks come to Santa Venerina. The name Santa Venerina has been recognized in documents of the 14th century.

Attractions

In the resort

  • Chiesa del Sacro Cuore ( Sacred Heart ), classicist built in 1875-1878 by Giovanni Privitera
  • Parish Church of Santa Venera inaugurated 1749. 1754 the church with four side chapels has been extended. The painter Vasta from Acireale, has executed the frescoes in this church. The church tower was the victim of the later earthquakes and is now made ​​of concrete and steel.
  • Church of Santo Stefano, byzantine built and expanded between the 6th century and the 9th century.

In the surrounding area

  • The place Bongiardo was founded in 1723, and can boast attractions as the church of S. Maria del Carmelo and delle Anime Purganti.
  • The place Dagala del Re is originated in the 13th century. The Parish Church of the Immaculate Conception was built in 1843.
  • In place Monacella the Church of the Immaculate Conception Monacella was ordained in 1788.
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