Church of Saint Nicholas the Arena
Church of Saint Nicholas the Arena things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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Chiesa di San Nicolò l'Arena in Catania, Sicily, is a captivating testament to Baroque splendor. This historic church, with its ornate architecture and rich cultural significance, is a must-visit destination. The highlight is the opportunity to ascend upstairs, where the breathtaking panoramic views of Catania unfold. The expansive vistas provide a unique perspective on the city's beauty, making the visit an enriching experience. The combination of architectural grandeur and the chance to appreciate Catania from above makes Chiesa di San Nicolò l'Arena a truly exceptional and memorable attraction for both history enthusiasts and admirers of stunning cityscapes.
Humberto DapeloHumberto Dapelo
00
This church is a must visit in catania. It’s a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture. The exterior of the Church is a magnificent sight to behold. Its imposing facade features intricate carvings, elaborate decorations, and statues of saints, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the Baroque era. The ornate details and attention to architectural design make it a remarkable landmark that stands out in the cityscape. Inside the Church, visitors can marvel at a captivating sundial adorned with intricate carvings of the zodiac signs, adding an element of celestial fascination to the rich artistic tapestry of the church.
Sougata BhattacharjeeSougata Bhattacharjee
20
Chiesa di San Nicolò l'Arena in Catania is an amazing place to visit, especially for the stunning panoramic view that you can get from its accessible rooftop. For just 3 euro, visitors are granted access to 150 stairs that lead up to the rooftop where breathtaking and unobstructed views of the city can be observed. You can also catch sight of the majestic Etna volcano in the distance. The rooftop makes for a perfect photo opportunity and an ideal location to enjoy the cool breeze in elevated heights. Overall, it is a highly recommended place to visit if you are in Catania.
Wisanu TuntawiroonWisanu Tuntawiroon
00
A church in Catania that is worth a visit, here you get the best views from the rooftop! The entrance to the church is free. For 3 euros you can take the stairs up to the roof. I recommend going to the roof because you'll have a beautiful view over Catania and the former Monastery that lay next to the church. On Sunday the church closes at 1pm. Also during lunchtime the rooftop is not accessible. Beside that you should visit the former Monastery next to the church it is beautiful and free of charge unless you pay for a guide.
Tibi lost in natureTibi lost in nature
60
Visited this church today and went up the duomo which offers amazing views over Catania and of mount Etna. The rooftop tour costs €3 per person but the visit to church is free, the tickets can be bought at the door. There's a spiral staircase takes you up and down from the roof and you can do a full circle of the roof giving a 360 degree view of the city. Once you've come down, you can explore the church which is massive compared to other chruches in the city. Highly recommended!
Sanka IllangakoonSanka Illangakoon
10
Chiesa di San Nicolò l’Arena L’interno della chiesa di San Nicolò l’Arena è distribuito in tre navate divise da pilastri, e gli unici ornamenti presenti sono delle tele settecentesche situate negli altari laterali. Sul pavimento è tracciata una Meridiana, (disegnata da Peters e Sartorius Waltershausen nel 1841), con delle figure zodiacali eseguite dal pittore neoclassico Bertel Thorvaldsen. All’interno della sagrestia si trova il sacrario dedicato ai caduti della I Guerra mondiale, oltre ad essere ancora adornata con armadi del Settecento. La stanza è preceduta dalla Cappella della Madonna, interamente affrescata dal pittore Alessandro Abate. Nella cappella troviamo alcune dipinti di notevole pregio come: Nel primo altare a destra: la tela di Vincenzo Camuccini “San Gregorio”; Nel terzo altare a destra: la tela di Mariano Rossi “San Giuseppe”; Nel transetto destro: il dipinto di Placido Campolo “Martirio di San Placido e di Santa Flavia”; Nel transetto sinistro: le tele di Antonio Cavallucci “San Benedetto e di Santo Placido e San Mauro”; Nel terzo altare a sinistra: la tela di Mariano Rossi “Martirio di Sant’Agata”. Nella Canteria è situato il maestoso Organo settecentesco di Donato Del Piano, dotato di 2.916 canne.
Samuele RaccaSamuele Racca
00
Nearby Attractions Of Church of Saint Nicholas the Arena
Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini
Ursino Castle
Castello Ursino
Fountain of the Elephant
Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata
Piazza Università
Greek - Roman theatre
Teatro Massimo Bellini
Roman Amphitheater of Catania
Porta Garibaldi

Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini
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Ursino Castle
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Castello Ursino
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Fountain of the Elephant
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Nearby Restaurants Of Church of Saint Nicholas the Arena
Pasticceria Savia
Trattoria del Cavaliere
Catania Fish Market
Al Vicolo Pizza&Vino
Fud Bottega sicula
A Putia Dell'Ostello
Il Borgo di Federico
Sette Più
Bar Magrì
Razmataz | Wine Bar Catania

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Trattoria del Cavaliere
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Catania Fish Market
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Basic Info
Address
Esedra di Piazza Dante, Piazza Dante Alighieri, 12, 95124 Catania CT, Italy
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.6
(177 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
accessibility
Description
San Nicolò l'Arena is the title of both the Roman Catholic church and its adjacent and enormous Benedictine monastery in the city of Catania, Sicily, southern Italy. The facade of the church faces Piazza Dante.
attractions: Villa Bellini/Chiosco Bellini, Ursino Castle, Castello Ursino, Fountain of the Elephant, Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata, Piazza Università, Greek - Roman theatre, Teatro Massimo Bellini, Roman Amphitheater of Catania, Porta Garibaldi, restaurants: Pasticceria Savia, Trattoria del Cavaliere, Catania Fish Market, Al Vicolo Pizza&Vino, Fud Bottega sicula, A Putia Dell'Ostello, Il Borgo di Federico, Sette Più, Bar Magrì, Razmataz | Wine Bar Catania

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