Santa Maria dell'Alto, Baroque church in Paternò, Italy
Santa Maria dell'Alto is a Baroque church in Paternò featuring three naves divided by stone pillars, accessed by a monumental staircase at the main entrance. The interior displays the characteristic proportions and architectural details typical of this building style from that era.
The church was founded in 1072, built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to a Greek goddess. In the 17th century, the building underwent a major transformation when its orientation was completely reversed.
The church holds marble altars and religious artworks that reflect centuries of devotion by the community in Paternò. Visitors can see how the space continues to serve as a place of worship and gathering for local residents today.
The church is now open to visitors following major restoration work, though it remains an active place of worship for the community. Visitors should be respectful of ongoing religious activities when planning a visit.
The building was rotated 180 degrees in the 17th century, with the main facade shifting to the opposite side. This dramatic redesign is rarely seen and demonstrates how significantly the original architectural plans were altered.
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