Santa Maria della Stella

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Location: Militello in Val di Catania

Inception: 1722

Architects: Giuseppe Ferrara

Architectural style: baroque architecture

Website: http://santamariadellastella.it

GPS coordinates: 37.27171,14.79314

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:41