Guided tour of Benedictine Monastery of “San Nicolò”

The Benedictine Monastery of Catania is a jewel of the late Sicilian Baroque and one of the biggest Benedictine monastery in Europe. The construction of the building started in 1500 and has continued until today. The original structure was modified by two natural calamities, the lava eruption of 1669 and the earthquake of 1693. It was destroyed and re-built and it is now an example of architectonic integration of different styles through different epochs:  you can find a roman house, the cloisters and a roof garden. 

The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Welcome reception

A welcome reception will take place nearby the monastery at Dimora De Mauro.

Google maps

Guided tour of Catania

Catania, situated between the sea and Mount Etna, offers to visitors a large historic center rich in cultural stratifications: from Greek-Roman architecture to magnificent Baroque churches and palaces. Rebuilt after the terrible earthquake of 1693, the historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002, thanks to its great historical-architectural value. The black color of the lava stone buildings, alternating with the white of the limestone rock, gives the streets of the center a very special appearance, in an alternation of streets, squares and stairways, which always make it varied and fascinating. 

Gala Dinner - Palazzo "Manganelli"

Built by Tornabene Family in 1400, the Manganelli palace passed to Sigona Family and was sold in 1505 to Don Alvaro Paternò, senator and magistrate of Catania. Currently the building has a façade in pure late baroque/rococo. Wonderful is the hanging garden, famous in the city of Catania, which extends over two levels connected by a romantic staircase with two fountains and a nymphaeum, which relies on a part of the ancient city walls.

Google maps