Santi Pietro e Paolo d'Agrò

Casalvecchio Siculo, Italy

Santi Pietro e Paolo d’Agrò church one of the foremost examples on Sicily of Norman architecture. The church was constructed during the 12th century as part of a Basilian monastery. Its exterior is characterised by its block-like form, but the facade is richly decorated. Inside, the church has the plan of a basilica with three aisles. Two domes rise from the central nave, one above its centre and one above the choir.

The architecture of the church displays influences from a vast variety of sources, and constitutes heritage of Muslims, Byzantines, and Normans. The block-like form of the exterior is reminiscent of North African contemporary architecture while the floor plan of the church is similar to the way churches were built in the Byzantine architectural tradition. Its principle of construction at the same time is essentially that of Western European Gothic architecture. In its details and decorations, too, the church exhibits a wealth of influences (e.g. in the use of muqarnas vaulting).

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Address

Unnamed Road, Casalvecchio Siculo, Italy
See all sites in Casalvecchio Siculo

Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in Italy

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

Interesting Sites Nearby


Pentefur Castle (2,9 km)
Forza d'Agrò Castle (3,9 km)
Sant'Alessio Siculo Castle (5 km)


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Catania Cathedral (53,1 km)
Greek Theatre of Taormina (10,6 km)
University of Catania (53 km)
Basilica della Collegiata (53 km)
Palazzo Corvaja (10,5 km)
Messina Cathedral (34,8 km)
Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano (11 km)

User Reviews

Donatella Ruggeri (6 months ago)
Beautiful church with 4 styles: Arabic, Byzantine, Christian and Orthodox. Unfortunately it was closed despite being open on the site.
Anna Aiello (2 years ago)
Really beautiful and unexpected. Unfortunately, it is not indicated and can only be visited externally
Christian Leo (2 years ago)
I arrived by bike from Santa Teresa di Riva. The route along the Agró stream is suggestive. This path has been well conceived, but is now abandoned to itself. However it is beautiful. The sacred place is valued with commitment, despite the scarce resources and the "forgotten by God" position. A pearl in the midst of a wild nature. It is evident that the work was of Arab origin, as well as the village of Casal كاسال Old. However, only hints on the history after the Norman conquest are given. Absolutely out of place instead the graves of the family of the Kingdom of Italy Knight (can not remember the name for non assecondarne vanity), dated end of '800. However, you are in a small Aya Sophia.
La Frusta Letteraria (2 years ago)
A twelfth-century jewel, a miracle, a gift of the Christian God ... A church in the middle of the inner countryside, in the sunniest and splenetic site of the ancient eastern Sicily, surely originally about VI AD a place of hermitage (attended from oriental-inspired Basilian monks before Benedict of Norcia, then). A very original building rebuilt on the pre-existing Basilian building, which was destroyed in 1117, which syncretizes three styles and three civilizations: Byzantine, Arab and Norman. Well kept and well kept. On the Valle d'Agro. You can get there from the coast of Santa Teresa di Riva climbing up Savoca. Overcome Savoca and Casalvecchio Siculo towards Antillo, after a few kilometers take care to local indication and turn left. Take the small paved road and then ... the architectural miracle ...
Pil Chat (5 years ago)
beautiful and underrated norman church. it should be much more promoted
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