Piedimonte Etneo

Piedimonte Etneo covers an area of about 2,646 hectares on the eastern slopes of Etna.

Among its principal monuments is the Mother Church erected in the XVIII century and dedicated to the Madonna del Rosario which dominates Piazza Madre Chiesa. Of vast dimensions, it is the only church of its kind in Piedimonte, being a basilica with three naves supported by massive arches that converge towards a wide apse containing the main altar. In the side naves there is a double series of precious marble altars decorated with large paintings and a XVII century polychrome wooden statue.
The facade is a mixture of classical and vernacular architectural styles. The painting of the Madonna delle Grazie is very interesting due to the fact that it depicts, in their original position, many of the old town monuments that have since disappeared including the bell tower of the church of St.Michele, the crenellated mass of the prison and the first church of St. Ignazio, the Prince’s Palace and the old fountain of the Mother Church.

Leaving the Mother Church and crossing the main road visitors arrive at the Convent of the Capuchin Fathers and the adjoining church of the Immacolata in Piazza Umberto. The vestments of the latter are among the most precious in Piedimonte. The tribune of the main altar which incorporates a splendid minutelycarved wooden ciborium is of great value. There are two paintings which represent St. Antonio di Padova and St. Francesco and there is a splendid Nativity on the central altar.

Piedimonte contributes to the production of D.O.C. Etna wines with its excellent Etna red wine.

Courtesy of the Provincia Regionale di Catania.