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Things to do in Santa Venerina Italy – what to see attractions and activities

Welcome to Santa Venerina Italy. If you’are planning to visit Santa Venerina for your next trip and you are looking for the best places to visit, here you’ll find tips and suggestions of most popular point of interest and activities not to be missed in Santa Venerina and surrounding. Travelers will appreciate this italian town with his rich historical and artistic heritage, local culture and environment. Discover the monuments, buildings, natural treasures and all the details that characterize Santa Venerina and its territory. Share and suggest a place you've visited.

What To See near Santa Venerina

Zafferana Etnea (3 Km)

Chiesa Santa Maria della Provvidenza

The Church of Santa Maria della Providence was built in 1731, at the behest of the Dean of the Collegiate Basilica of Catania, Francesco Gagliano. It represents the Mother Church of Zafferana Etnea, as well as the most important monument of this city. Over the centuries, the property suffered several damage as a result of the earthquakes that occurred in 1818 and 1984. Thanks to the restoration works today we can admire the splendor of the building in its ancient form.

Zafferana Etnea (3 Km)

Palazzo Municipale

The Municipal Palace was built in the late 19th century in a beautiful Art Nouveau style. After being made unusable by the 1984 earthquake, the building was restored and restored to its former glory.

Zafferana Etnea (3 Km)

the Cisternazza

Zafferana Etnea (3 Km)

Villa Manganelli

Villa Manganelli was built between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by the Catania family Paternò-Manganelli. The building is built with the style typical of the Viennese Secession and is surrounded by a large park of trees. It is currently the property of the Etna Park Authority. Although many years have passed since its construction, the villa is in good condition.

Zafferana Etnea (4 Km)

La Cisternazza

The Cisternazza is a monumental complex consisting of a cistern, a garden, a beautiful portal and a raised courtyard. “A Cistirnazza “, as is said in Sicilian, was erected by the bishop of Catania Andrea Riggio in the 17th century. The cistern is about ten meters deep and has an octagonal opening.

Acireale (6 Km)

Spiaggia di Porticciolo Stazzo

Acireale (7 Km)

Torre Santa Tecla

The Tower of Santa Tecla is located in the homonymous hamlet in Acireale. It is a small tower of only 3 meters per side, with a square plan in the shape of a parallelepiped. The building was built of irregular lava stone bonded with mortar. The northern part is characterized by the presence of two louvers. The front door, on the other hand, was created along the eastern wall. Today it is in excellent condition.

Fiumefreddo di Sicilia (8 Km)

Castello degli Schiavi

The Castle of the Slaves of Fiumefreddo di Sicilia is among the most beautiful Baroque castles of the 18th century in the resort. Its name comes from an ancient legend. The building is spread over two floors, dominated by a tower. This was used several times as a movie set after the mid-20th century. Today the castle villa is used as an exclusive location for events and weddings.

Acireale (8 Km)

Chiesa del SS. Salvatore

One of the oldest churches in the area, the sources tell us that it dates back to 1531. From 1603 it was transformed from Newsstand to Church, the year in which the roof was also realized. He owns an ancient crucifix dating back to 1693. It is of historical, religious and artistic importance. For years now the church has been transformed into an ordeal for the Easter holidays.

Acireale (8 Km)

Presepe XVIII Sec. Chiesa S.Maria d. Neve

The Nativity Scene of Santa Maria della Neve in Acireale was set up in 1752 in the cave annexed to the church, which is a lava ravine used until the mid-18th century as a refuge for bandits and fishermen, then transformed into a Bethlehem cave. Note in this crib the 32 life-size figures with wax faces and sumptuous robes and above all, the magnificent realization of the Magi. Today it is one of the most visited cribs.

Acireale (8 Km)

Chiesa Madonna dell'Indirizzo

The church was built in 1709 in neoclassical style. Inside you can find some canvases depicting scenes from the life of “Santa Venera and Sant'Agata”. The church, once surrounded by a lemon garden, is now located in the “Cervo” district.

Acireale (9 Km)

Palazzo Musmeci

Built in Baroque style, the Musmeci Palace is located in the historic part of the city. The facade, full of balconies, at the height of the cornice has a series of white stone windows that give the decorative touch. Inside you can see the historic decor and the courtyard with statues. In 1806 the palace was the residence of King Ferdinand.

Acireale (9 Km)

Fortezza del Tocco

The Fortress of Touch is a military fortress that was used as a defensive castle in the 16th century during the war against the Turks (Battle of Lepanto). In the 17th century the fortress was used to make forced labor for the convicted. For this reason, the fortress was expanded and a cannon was placed, with which the people were warned of the attack of the enemy. From this use the monument takes its name.

Acireale (9 Km)

Cattedrale Chiesa dell'Annunziata

The Cathedral was built in 1872. Before it became a cathedral, it was a church. It took its name from the altar dedicated to the Virgin Annunziata. The Corinthian settlers and the great Baroque portal make this cathedral a unitary complex. The most beautiful part of the cathedral's composite is the above Baroque newsstand with statues.

Acireale (9 Km)

Palazzo di città

The Palazzo di Città is the monument of Acireale, represents the architectural quality over 200m of extension in Baroque style. The façade is made elegant by the sculptures, which are the elements saved from the original construction. Above the portal of the building you can see the national coat of arms of the municipality. Since 1833, the palace has become the official seat of the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Fine Arts of Zealans and Daphnics.

Acireale (9 Km)

Basilica Santi Pietro e Paolo

The Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul was built in 1550 in Baroque style and with a single nave interior. The 1693 earthquake damaged the building, making the walls unsafe. The restoration ended in 1740 creating three alternative doors to binate columns in addition to the white stone facade. The paintings that can be found inside belong to Giacinto Platania, to Matteo Ragonisi as well as to other artists. The basilica is very well known for two sculptures, the Christ at the column and the dead Christ.

Acireale (9 Km)

Basilica di S. Sebastiano

The Basilica of San Sebastiano was completed in 1644. The façade is built in Baroque style preceded by a balustrade crowned with statues. Inside you can visit the frescoes by Pietro Paolo Vasta and also the eighteenth-century danger for the procession of the saint.

Acireale (9 Km)

Chiesa di S.Giuseppe

The church of San Giuseppe was built above the old one with the same name at the end of the '600. It was built on three columns that incorporate and move vertically the wall surface. The interior is the one built in the 19th century.

Acireale (9 Km)

Chiesa S. Maria del Suffragio

Built in 1638, then renovated after the earthquake of 1693, the church is located in the 'Quarter of the Dead'. Inside the structure we find frescoes with the complex “Eucharistic Mystery” and the episodes of the sacred biblical book reported and represented on the walls. The Baroque style portrays the salvation of the souls of Purgatory.

Acireale (9 Km)

Chiesa S.Maria dell'Odigitria

The Church of Santa Maria Dell'Odigitria was built on the ruins of the oratory, after the earthquake of 1693. It is an autonomous parish and is dedicated to Our Lady of Odigitria, the patroness of Sicily. Inside we find the polychrome dome and the most interesting canvas, that of the “Epiphany”.

Acireale (9 Km)

Chiesa S. Antonio da Padova

Built on the original church of S. Sebastiano, the structure of San Antonio di Padua was built after the earthquake of 1693. The Gothic style portal is that of the '400 of the first original church. It is the oldest church in the city as well as the only one dating back to the period of Aquilia Nuova.

Aci Sant'Antonio (9 Km)

Duomo di Sant'Antonio Abate

The Cathedral of Sant'Antonio Abate, built in the 18th century, is distinguished by a facade in limestone worked very finely. The interior of the Duomo is luxuriously decorated with frescoes by local artists.

Aci Sant'Antonio (9 Km)

Chiesa di San Michele

The Church of San Michele was built on another church that already exists, although always dedicated to the Archangel of St. Michael. The treasure of the church is the original bell tower of 1753. After the 1693 earthquake from which it was destroyed, the building was rebuilt to a larger size.

Acireale (9 Km)

Chiesa di S. Michele

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel was built as early as 1540; the earthquake of 1693 destroyed it and was then rebuilt in the 18th century. The church became a parish in 1922, inside it we find a nave with four side altars that, subsequently, became five. Currently we can admire the plaster statue of the Virgin.

Acireale (9 Km)

Chiesa S.Maria del Carmine

The church has an architecture from the 18th century, but the construction dates back to the '500. It strikes the loggia of the bell tower open on all its sides; the construction is formed of white and lava stones. Inside it we can find famous eighteenth-century paintings.

Aci Catena (9 Km)

Municipio ex Convento S.Antonio da Padova

The Town Hall and former Convent of Saint Anthony of Padua was built in 1636 in Aci Catena. It is one of the most beautiful and elegant buildings to which the Catenotes contributed. The staircase gives an extreme harmony to the whole building and inside there are most of the best works in the country. The cloister is decorated in the lunettes with frescoes depicting the life and works of the Franciscan Saints. It is among the most visited and best preserved monuments in the city.

Aci Catena (10 Km)

Santuario Maria Santissima della Catena

The Sanctuary has a very elegant architecture. Interesting to see are the apse, the transept, the dome and the two side chapels. Also worth admiring are the frescoes, in particular the icon of the Madonna, painted on stone, dating back to the 16th century. The Madonna looks majestic thanks to some details: a golden mantle surmounted by a precious crown and the child who wears in her arms that makes this icon a real work of art.

Acireale (10 Km)

Riserva naturale della Timpa

Lava ridge degrading on the sea of the cyclops. Spontaneous vegetation among oaks, euphorbias, olive trees, ramnos, basculars interrupted by lemon plantations. There are several paths to the sea by the forest.

Aci Catena (10 Km)

Chiesa di San Giuseppe

It was designed by Francesco Battaglia in 1730, who in those years took care of rebuilding Catania. The unique Byzantine Arabic style is noticeable in colors and shape. The garden once stretched around the whole building. Today it is a subsidiary of the Parish Mother Sanctuary Maria SS.ma della Catena.

Mascali (10 Km)

Spiaggia Lido Ipanema

Acireale (10 Km)

Castello Scammacca fantasia

The castle, built at the end of the 19th century, consists of battlements and ogival arches of neo-Gothic style. Inside there is an elegant chapel with frescoes. Outside it is preceded by a beautiful garden full of trees and flowers.

Aci Bonaccorsi (10 Km)

Chiesa di Sant'Antonio e Consolazione

The church of Saint Anthony and Consolation is entirely frescoed with figures of Saints and scenes from the New Testament. The first construction of the building dates back to the period around the 11th and 12th century AD and was modified in the 18th century. Inside we can find several paintings and statues among which the most important are: the stoning of Saint Stephen Protomartyr and the statue of the Protomartyr. The church is one of the oldest in the area.

Aci Bonaccorsi (10 Km)

Chiesa Madre S.Maria dell'Indirizzo

The Church dedicated to Our Lady of the Address is a construction of the fifteenth century. Outside the church there is a staircase, the stone portal on the side facade, worked with ornamental reliefs and the bell that was built in 1817. Instead, inside there are three naves enriched by refined decorations and works of high artistic value.

Mascali (11 Km)

Spiaggia Fondachello

Aci Catena (11 Km)

Eremo di Sant'Anna

The hermitage of Sant'Anna, was founded in 1751, by Friar Rosario Campione. The hermitage is located close to a hill from which you can admire a splendid panorama of the Ionian coast. The original plant was composed of a small church with two small rooms immersed in the vegetation to which later added a large cistern for the collection of water. In 1756, the cells and the chapel were added. Among the works in the church you can admire the Madonna with the Child and Saint Anne. Inside, you can observe the cloister and the Mediterranean garden.

Acireale (12 Km)

Aci Catena - Terme Romane di S.Venera al Pozzo

The Roman Baths of San Venera al Pozzo are located in Acireale. Since ancient times, the territory has been known for the conspicuous presence of beneficial waters coming from springs including sulphurous. The archaeological site consists of two covered rooms. The oldest of the findings dates back to a period between the first and second century AD.

Acireale (13 Km)

Torre Sant' Anna (faro)

The Tower of Sant'Anna dates back to the 16th century and the work on its construction lasted twenty years. It is located in Capo Mulini and was built to fortify the coast. Later, in 1868, the tower of Sant'Anna was transformed into a lighthouse. There was a guard body with the task of alerting the approach of racking ships. Today it remains a sighting beacon.

Fiumefreddo di Sicilia (14 Km)

Spiaggia Marina di Cottone

Fiumefreddo di Sicilia (14 Km)

Castello Diana

The Diana Castle is presumed to date back to the 18th century since there are no certain sources. This has the form of a noble palace, rather than a real castle. In fact, it's not very impressive as a construction. It is currently in fair storage conditions and is privately owned.

Aci Castello (15 Km)

Castello di Aci

The Castle of Aci was built in the 7th century by the Byzantines, for reasons of defense. Inside the building there is a Museum, which is divided into three sections, that of mineralogy, paleontology and archaeology. The ancient castle is located near the sea and offers a beautiful view.

Aci Castello (15 Km)

Museo Civico, Castello Normano

The Civic Museum is located inside the Norman Castle, of Aci Castello, which was built in the eleventh century. The museum is divided into three sections that are those: mineralogical, paleontological and archaeological. Fossils dating back to 150 million years ago can be admired in one of the sections. Another feature of the museum is the botanical garden in which succulents are grown.

Ragalna (16 Km)

EtnAvventura Serra La Nave

Calatabiano (16 Km)

Castello San Marco

The beautiful Castle of San Marco stands like a beautiful Baroque mansion dating back to the end of the seventeenth century. The fact that it was a dwelling explains its compact structure. It is currently in excellent condition and private use, as it is one of the most prestigious hotels on the coast of Taormina characterized by class and elegance.

Calatabiano (16 Km)

Spiaggia San Marco

Calatabiano (17 Km)

Castello Antico Diroccato

The Old Castle Diroccato di Calatabiano is located in the homonymous town. It is one of the most important buildings in the area and has an ancient history. In fact, it dates back to 902 and was built by the Arabs after the conquest of the city of Taormina. The purpose was to defence and military. Currently, only a few parts have been received, especially the tower and the ruins.

Catania (18 Km)

Teatro dell'Accademia

It houses, in addition to the cabarets also the laboratory of laugh. A real school to become a real comic-comedian, a workshop for everyone who loves humor and irony, with an eye to clever satire.

Catania (20 Km)

Orto Botanico

Other attractions in Santa Venerina

Beaches

Spiaggia Lido Equador

Beaches

Spiaggia Lido Monsone

Beaches

Spiaggia Lido 7 Nani

Beaches

Spiaggia Lido delle Sirene Fondachello

Beaches

Spiaggia le piattaforme di aci trezza

Beaches

Spiaggia Piattoforma balneare gratuita estiva

Beaches

Spiaggetta nera S. Giovanni li Cuti

Museums

Museo di Mineralogia - Paleontologia e Vulcanologia di Catania

It preserves fossils from Sicily and other Italian regions, and the world. There are admirable collection of fish fossils dating back seven million years and the skeleton of the little elephant of approx. 500,000 years ago.

Tips for sleeping in Santa Venerina

Bed and breakfast

Hotels

Destinations nearby

Zafferana Etnea

Zafferana Etnea

It is 4,3 Km away - about 8 minutes

Giarre

It is 7,3 Km away - about 12 minutes

Riposto

Riposto

It is 8,6 Km away - about 16 minutes

Sant'Alfio

It is 10 Km away - about 16 minutes

Mascali

It is 11,9 Km away - about 19 minutes

Aci Sant'Antonio

Aci Sant'Antonio

It is 12,4 Km away - about 20 minutes

Acireale

Acireale

It is 12,8 Km away - about 20 minutes

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