Monastero di Santa Caterina, Dominican monastery in Piazza Bellini, Palermo, Italy.
Monastero di Santa Caterina is a Dominican monastery on Piazza Bellini in Palermo with a cloister whose cells feature balconies and are surrounded by stone columns. At the center of the cloister stands an 18th-century fountain designed by sculptor Ignazio Marabitti.
The convent was founded in 1310 by Benvenuta Mastrangelo as a female Dominican community. Between 1566 and 1596, it underwent major renovations under Mother Prioress Maria del Carretto.
The church displays works by prominent artists, including Filippo Randazzo's vault fresco and Antonello Gagini's 16th-century sculpture of Saint Catherine. These artworks shape the interior and reflect Palermo's artistic tradition.
The cloister and church are open daily for visitors to explore both the religious and architectural history of the site. Wear comfortable shoes as the stone surfaces can be uneven in places.
The monastery operates an onsite bakery, I Segreti del Chiostro, where traditional Sicilian convent sweets are made using centuries-old recipes. These sweet treats reflect techniques passed down through generations of nuns.
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