Church of Saint Agrippina
The Chapel of Saint Agrippina di Mineo is one of two Catholic Churches dedicated to Saint Agrippina of Mineo, sometimes known as Saint Agrippina.
The church is also the cult centre dedicated to the Saint. Agrippina is the Patron Saint of Mineo. Mineo, is a town located in the Province of Catania, in Sicily. The Church of Sant’ Agrippina is one of three Catholic Churches located in Mineo.
The church of Saint Agrippina was original built in Mineo, because that is where the Saint’s body was taken after her death. Her body later became a popular pilgrimage destination with the known miracles she had performed.
The church of Saint Agrippina, is a distinguished architectural monument. The original structure of the church dates back to 1300. Only three semicircular apses of the calcareous stone have remained, while the interiors reflect the decorating from the 18th century.
From 1593, at the high altar there is a bronze candelabrum. In the 16th century, a wooden colored statue of Saint Agrippina was placed in the right chapel on a stern marble portal in the church.
The church of Saint Agrippina was rebuilt after an earthquake struck Mineo in 1693. People can still admire the battlemented towers. Since the earthquake, much restoration work has been completed on the church and this includes:
- From the 17th century, in the dome of the church, there are four hexagonal columns that are covered in an embossed silver leaf
- From the 18th century, a wooden status of the Nativity scene was placed there. Numerous stuccoes adorn the ceiling to make an impression to represent scenes from the Old Testament and in the direction of the right there is a precious crib made from wood.
See also
- Chapel of Saint Agrippina di Mineo
Sources
- http://sicilia.indettaglio.it/eng/comuni/ct/mineo/mineo.html
- http://sicilia.indettaglio.it/eng/comuni/ct/mineo/turismo/turismo.html
- http://www.italien.com/Ferienregion/Sizilien/italy_sicily_catania_mineo.php