Santa Maria della Stella, Baroque shrine in Militello in Val di Catania, Italy.
Description
Santa Maria della Stella is a baroque shrine in Militello in Val di Catania with a three-nave structure supported by pillars and an intricately carved altarpiece. The interior was later expanded with a dedicated chapel featuring artistic embellishments and complementary religious spaces.
History
The original shrine was destroyed in the 1693 earthquake, and reconstruction began in 1722 and finished in 1741. This baroque rebuilding was part of Sicily's larger recovery and followed the architectural patterns of that era.
Culture
The Madonna della Stella holds a special place in local devotion, with her own chapel forming a focal point within the shrine. The art and design throughout show how deeply this veneration shaped the space and continues to draw people here for prayer and reflection.
Practical
The shrine is open to visitors during set hours and hosts regular religious services, so visiting times may vary depending on ceremonies. It helps to check locally or ask nearby for the best times to visit without interrupting worship.
Did you know?
A glazed terracotta Nativity scene by Andrea della Robbia from 1487 was relocated here from a former destroyed church and remains preserved. This masterwork of Renaissance craftsmanship is rare among Sicily's artistic treasures and draws attention for its delicate technique.
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