Duomo Antico di Santo Stefano, Cathedral in Milazzo, Italy

The Duomo Antico di Santo Stefano is a cathedral in Milazzo featuring a Greek cross floor plan with robust arches supported by Corinthian pillars. Multiple chapels are built into the interior structure, creating spaces for private devotion throughout the church.

Construction began in 1607 on a design attributed to Camillo Camilliani, with Giuseppe Gasdia directing the works; the churches of San Nicolò and Sant'Antonio Abate were demolished to make room. Consecration took place in 1616, before completion, and the two apsidal chapels flanking the choir were finished in 1642 under Archbishop Biagio Proto de Rubeis, attributed to Pietro Novelli. In 1718–1720, during the War of the Quadruple Alliance, the cathedral served as a military hospital during the Spanish siege of Milazzo.

The high altar was dedicated to Saint Stephen on 13 May 1680, and his altar had been consecrated in 1678. In 1714 a Te Deum was sung here for Victor Amadeus II of Savoy, King of Sicily, during his visit to Milazzo. The left nave holds the Chapel of Santa Lucia, the right nave the Chapel of the Madonna dell'Itria.

The cathedral is located within Milazzo's fortified complex and is generally open to visitors throughout the day. It is best to visit outside of religious services to explore the interior comfortably.

The dome was intentionally designed as a sphere to avoid blocking sight lines from the surrounding fortifications. This functional detail reveals how military needs influenced the design of this sacred building.