Atmosphere and Faith
The Church of Saint Rita in Saint Augustine, originally dedicated to St. James, was first built in 1615 to a design by Giovan Battista Palazzotto. Destroyed by the earthquake of 1693, it was later rebuilt, combining Baroque features with elements added in subsequent periods.
The façade is divided into two levels: in the upper section, a large central window allows natural light to enter, while the lower section is distinguished by four Corinthian columns and a raised entrance.
The bell gable dominates the façade, giving the building an elegant and slender appearance.
A journey through Art and Spirituality
The interior has a single nave with six chapels, marble altars, and striking statues by Giuseppe Stuflesser of Ortisei, including two depicting the Sacred Heart and Saint Augustine.
The church interior is richly decorated with works dedicated to the life and miracles of Saint Rita, making it one of the most important places connected with celebrations in her honour.
Four paintings from the Sanctuary underwent restoration between 2014 and 2016. The restoration work has restored the lustre, integrity and clarity of The Glorification of Saint Emidius with Christ, the Virgin Mary and Saint Agatha (c. 1750), The Madonna of the Belt with Saint Augustine and Saint Monica (1700), the Old Man at the Alms of St Thomas of Villanova (1809) and the Ecstasy of St Nicholas of Tolentino (1804–1805).
Beneath the church, an underground hypogeum with seven burial chambers has been discovered.
Popular devotion,
sacred heart of Catania
Opening Hours
- Friday: 4.00 pm–7.00 pm
- Sunday: 9.30 am–13 pm
Church of Saint Rita in Saint Augustine
Via Vittorio Emanuele II, 312, Catania
For information on Mass times:
tel:
Tickets
Ticket office at the Abbey of Sant’Agata.
Tour of the Abbey Terrace and Dome + Churches of the Holy Trinity, St. Maria dell’Aiuto and House of Loreto and St. Rita
€7.00
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For tourist information:
(+39) 327 1352519
