Slope of via Cappuccini

Culture, Tipical places
Via Pietro Garofalo - 95124 Catania

    To be visited during the celebrations of St. Agatha, in February, to admire the rush of devotees.

    “Cchianata de’ Cappuccini” is an important place during the celebrations in honour of Saint Agatha.

    It starts in via Cappuccini, near Piazza Stesicoro, and it continues with via Pietro Garofalo creating the form of a steep “S”.  Along the climb, Saint Agatha’ fercolo is pulled by devotees, which wear the typical white “sacco”. According to some unofficial sources, the traditional dress of the festival derives from the white robe of the ancient ritual in honor of Isis (before the Christian era Catania was an important place for these cult).

    During the slope there are different stop, the first one is near the Church of the Sacro Carcere, where the Saint was imprisoned, the second one before the Church of Sant’Agata La Vetere, that was the first Cathedral in Catania and the first place of burial of the patron (some believe the Saint was buried in the sanctuary of the Holy Annunziata in Piazza Carlo Alberto, better known as the Church of the Carmine).

    At the height of the slope of the Capuchins, one arrives at Via Santa Maddalena and from there to the Church of San Domenico, overlooking the square.

    The rush of devotees and the fast movement of the fercolo is an unique scenery.