Sant'Agata al Carcere, Roman Catholic church in central Catania, Italy
Sant'Agata al Carcere is a Roman Catholic church in central Catania featuring a Romanesque stone portal decorated with floral and animal motifs, moved from the ancient cathedral after the 1693 earthquake. The building sits on a historically significant site with remains spanning multiple periods.
The site contains Greek fortifications from the sixth century BC and imperial-era structures where Saint Agatha was allegedly imprisoned. The structural connection to the ancient cathedral demonstrates the location's importance in the city's religious history.
The main altar features a 1588 painting by Bernardino Niger showing Saint Agatha's martyrdom in the late Mannerist style.
The church is located at Piazza Santo Carcere 7 and offers free entry for visitors. Access for people with mobility restrictions may be challenging.
Visitors can observe lava slabs inside the church with alleged footprints of Saint Agatha. A section of the chest used to transport her relics is also kept here.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
