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Imposing, beautiful and with some of the most iconic buildings to be seen in the Christian world, Sicily's churches wrap themselves around the island and are more than likely to be within driving distance of many holiday villas. Sicily, it seems, has it all when it comes to religious attractions. When staying in one of the many villas Sicily offers, you won’t be able to turn a corner without seeing a church or a dome in the distance, such is the presence of these beautiful buildings. So why not consider these six churches and experience some religious tourism. Sanctuary of Gibilmanna Tucked away in the province of Palermo, the Sanctuary stands 800m high above the town of Cefalù and is a pleasant drive from many of the stunning villas Sicily is so famous for. It is believed to have been a Benedictine monastery commissioned by Pope Gregory the Great, and its architecture dates back to at least the 11th century. It has seen many additions but is important for the numerous artworks it holds, including a Byzantine-style image of the Madonna with Child. Noto Cathedral This is one of the stand-out cathedrals that enthral visitors during their stay in this part of Italy. Taking decades to complete, Noto was built in a Sicilian Baroque-style and is dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra. It survived a quake in 1990, but a collapse of the cathedral six years later led it to being rebuilt and it was only reopened six years ago. Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel This church, better known as Chiesa del Carmine, has been serving the community for 80 years. It was a replacement for the earlier church of Messina that was destroyed by an earthquake in 1908. It harks back to the Carmelites who arrived on the island in the 13th century and set up a hermitage close to the town. It remains one of the key centres in Messina in advancing the history of this city. Cefalù Cathedral A fascinating day out awaits those who venture to this church from their villas. Sicily, and particularly the Cathedral-Basilica of Cefalù, reeks of its Roman Catholic roots. Dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral was built by King Roger II and is an eminent structure that can be seen from every angle of the town. With two imposing Norman towers, the artworks and interiors of the cathedral are a sight to behold. Acireale Cathedral Another Roman Catholic cathedral, this one was dedicated to the Bishop of Acireale in the late 19th century. Its life began as a small church in the 16th century, but it was quickly enlarged to take on more religious duties, particularly in receiving the relics of Saint Venera, one of the two patron saints of the city. Church of Saint Agrippina Dedicated to Saint Agrippina, this church is attended by its namesake's pilgrims due to the many miracles performed in her name and the fact that it's where her body now lies. Built in the 14th century, it has three surviving apses, with other later additions including a 16th century statue of Saint Agrippina. Helen Forbes is from Essential Italy, a company specialising in Italian holiday villas, apartments and hotels. If you’re looking for the perfect villas, Sicily is superb. Our handpicked villas offer distinctive Italian qualities, great comfort and convenience.
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