Religious Buildings

Versione Italiana

Many churches are found in Forza D’Agrò, indicating not only the highly religious life that existed in the village but also the prosperity and well-being that was enjoyed, at least periodically for most families and constantly for the more wealthy, by the active and hardworking old town citizens.

The Cathedral dedicated to Holy Mary of the Annunciation and Assumption dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. The church was originally built in the 15th century but underwent serious damage due to earthquakes in 1648 and then again in 1693.

The architecture of the church reflects Spanish compositional and decorative elements. However, the undulating and pyramidal shapes of the structure create a predominantly dynamic form with snailing spirals and plumes, reflecting the typical style of the Sicilian Baroque.

The interior of the Cathedral is equally elegant due to the light succession of arches and columns that divide the space into three well proportioned naves. In particular, the two side chapels stand out for their excellent workmanship. Underneath some of the other thirteen alters of the church, true works of art in themselves, are recently discovered crypts which were used for burials.

On display in the Cathedral are a painted wooden Crucifix by an unknown artist, possibly from the 14th century, and a statue of St. Catherine of Alexandria from 1558 by Martino Montanini and Giuseppe Bottone. A choir-stall of carved walnut wood and a painting of the Annunciation are also noteworthy.

In 1576 the church of the Holy Trinity was built. The facade of the church was reconstructed over the original structure of the 15th century.

The interior of the church consists of one nave and is distinctive for the contrast between the four altars, noted for their wooden structures coloured  in sea-blue with pale gold friezes, and the unadorned white walls. Some paintings are found above the altars, of special note is the painting placed above the main altar representing the “Visit of the three angels to Abraham”.

Next to the church of the Trinity is the ex Monastery of St. Augustine, with its cloister.

Also now in use is the recently restored church of St. Francis (or of St. Catherine) that dates back to the 16th century. The interior consists of one nave and on the main alter is a splendid tabernacle from 1682 where the marble statue of St. Catherine of Alexandria was located.

After restoration, in March of 1999 the church of St. Anthony the Abbot was reopened to the public in the small square of the same name. The church of St. Sebastian, however, is still in ruins in the old Magghia quarter. The church of the Child Madonna no longer exists having been demolished in the 1950’s. It was situated on the main road, Via SS. Annunziata, in the “Avanzi a luci” area.

In addition to these, there were once two other churches in the region of Forza D’Agrò: the church of St. Michael the Archangel in the Casale district (now in the region of Sant’Alessio Siculo) and the church of Sts. Peter and Paul of Agrò (today in the region of Casalvecchio Siculo).