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 started in 1607 under architect Camillo Camilliani, replacing earlier churches dedicated to Saint Nicholas and Saint Anthony the Abbot. The building embodied mannerist design principles that were modern for Sicily at that time.
The main altar honors Saint Stephen and reflects the religious devotion shaped during the 1600s when this site became central to local worship. The interior chapels show how the church served as a spiritual hub for families and communities in the area.
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.
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