Santa Maria della Valle di Iosaphat, Medieval Catholic church near Norman castle in Paternò, Italy.
Santa Maria della Valle di Iosaphat is a church built in Chiaramonte architectural style in Paternò, designed with pointed arch portals and decorated pilasters. The building shows a blend of religious and defensive features that recall Norman-era fortifications.
Countess Adelasia da Monferrato commissioned this church in 1072 during the Norman era in Sicily. It was built in a period when Normans ruled the island and created religious structures with defensive capabilities.
The name references the Valley of Josaphat in Jerusalem, a significant site in Christian tradition. This connection to sacred geography shaped how the local community venerated and used this place.
Access to the church is via broad basaltic stairs leading up to the entrance. The location is easy to find, as it sits near the Norman castle in town.
The roofline with its crenellations gives the structure a fortress-like appearance, showing that religious buildings of this era had to serve protective functions. This dual-purpose use was common during the Norman occupation of Sicily.
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