Churches and places of worship Country of Messina

Of Byzantine origin, the current basilica was rebuilt in the late twelfth century. Wonderful is the organ that is located inside. Another characteristic element is the tower that has the largest mechanical clock in the world.

Inside is the statue of the black Madonna in cedar wood, a probable iconoclast symbol of successive centuries and of Eastern origin. This cathedral is characteristic for its location, being on a promontory overlooking the sea and above the acropolis itself. Every year, the feast dedicated to the Black Madonna is celebrated on 7 September.

The Shrine of Christ the King is located on Viale Principe Umberto. The building was opened in 1937. The Shrine of Christ the King has an octagonal shape with a high dome where eight bronze statues have been added and at the top of the access staircase is the statue of Christ the King by T. Calabrò.

The Sanctuary is located just outside the town, on a hill. The building was built during the period when King Charles V dominated in Sicily. Thanks to testimonies, it is assumed that the sanctuary was built on 28 April 1568, the date on which a hermit bought the plot of land in which the construction stands. A special feature is the presence of a black wooden statue representing the Madonna.

The Church of San Giuseppe is 17th-century period. It is one of the oldest churches. It was built above a large structure. Some witnesses say that the crypt contains the relics of St. Bartholomew, patron saint of Lipari. The Church is located directly on the beach.

The church of San Vincenzo, reachable from the narrow coastal road, overlooks the typical Aeolian houses, small and pretty. From the terrace of the church of San Vincenzo you can see the Strombolicchio, in addition to the village of the island and the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea.

The Normanno convent was created by the wish of King Ruggero II and also makes part of the monastery. The convent was restored in ‘78. The numerous columns from the Roman era render symbols of various animals. It is situated very close to the cathedral of San Bartolomeo.

The most important religious building on the island is the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. Built in the sixteenth century is located in the central part of the island. Particularly noticeable are the interiors decorated with floral paintings.

Considered from an ancient era, over time it has been modified and embellished several times. It was a parish already at the end of 1500 and continued until 1960. On the left side of the Church a short staircase leads to the Chapel of SS. Ecce Homo.

The Church of the Rosary, almost at the entrance of the country, was called in ancient times of the Holy Trinity and served for some time as the main Church; it was set on fire and destroyed in the middle of 1500 during a raid of Saracen pirates and rebuilt in 1635 by the Brotherhood of SS. Rosary.

Medieval monument of great historical importance, it was built in Norman times on the ruins of the ancient temple of Neptune. Re-emerged following the 1908 earthquake that brought down the additions.