The Chiesa dei Minoriti, also known by its original name Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo ai Minoriti, stands as a splendid testament to the baroque architectural prowess in the heart of Catania, Italy. Nestled along the bustling Via Etnea, this church is a beacon of history and spirituality, inviting both the devout and the curious into its hallowed halls.
The origins of the Chiesa dei Minoriti trace back to the early 17th century when the Caracciolini order first arrived in Catania. Invited by Bishop Innocenzo Massimo in 1625, they initially settled in what became the Casa degli Orfanelli. The original church dedicated to San Michele Minore was located on Via Stesicorea, but the catastrophic earthquake of 1693 laid waste to the structure.
In the aftermath, the current church and its adjoining convent were constructed in the latter half of the 18th century, based on the designs of the architect Francesco Battaglia. The church was re-consecrated by Archbishop Corrado Maria Deodato Moncada, marking a new chapter in its storied existence.
The Chiesa dei Minoriti's façade is a striking example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. Designed by Sebastiano Ittar, the exterior features a two-tiered structure adorned with elegant columns. The façade faces Via Etnea, and atop the balustrades of the second tier stand statues, including one of Bartolomeo Simorilli, the church's first provost, and a partially damaged statue of San Francesco Caracciolo, a casualty of World War II bombing.
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As you step inside, the church unveils its Greek cross layout, crowned by a high dome at the intersection of the nave and transept. The deep choir adds to the sense of grandeur. Near the entrance, you'll find two monumental marble stoups, a unique feature that sets the tone for the church's interior opulence.
The right nave begins near the counter-facade with a statue of San Michele Arcangelo. As you proceed, the first chapel is dedicated to Sant'Agata, featuring a large painting by Marcello Leopardi depicting Sant'Agata pleading for Catania's salvation. Nearby, another artwork portrays Santa Lucia.
The second chapel, located in the right transept, honors San Francesco Caracciolo. Here, an altarpiece by Marcello Leopardi, completed by his student Vincenzo Ferreri, captures the saint's essence. This chapel also houses a painting of the Archangel Raphael and Tobias by local artist Giovannina M. Piazza, alongside a depiction of Blessed Bartolomeo Simorilli.
On the left side, near the counter-facade, a funerary monument is affixed to the outer wall, complemented by a statue of San Pio di Pietrelcina. The first chapel here is dedicated to San Giuseppe, with a large canvas by Marcello Leopardi illustrating the saint's passing.
The second chapel, in the left transept, is dedicated to San Michele Arcangelo, featuring a silver-plated panel from the 16th century. The third chapel honors the Holy Crucifix, showcasing a marble crucifix by Agostino Penna and a painting of the Sorrowful Mother.
The presbytery is dominated by the grand high altar, surrounded by a choir with 22 stalls. Above, within the richly gilded choir loft, stands a magnificent organ crafted by the Serassi brothers of Bergamo in 1858, housed in a neo-Gothic case.
The convent, once home to the Caracciolini, now serves as the prefecture's headquarters. Its façade, another work by Sebastiano Ittar, remains a testament to the architectural elegance of the early 19th century.
The Chiesa dei Minoriti is not just a place of worship; it's a journey through time, where art, history, and spirituality converge. Whether you're drawn by its architectural beauty or its rich history, a visit to this church is a must for anyone exploring the vibrant city of Catania.
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