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Monastery · Catânia, Sicília
Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena
One of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, rebuilt in Baroque style after the 1669 lava flow and the 1693 earthquake. Today it houses faculties of the University of Catania.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena
The Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena began to be built in 1558. The lava from the 1669 Etna eruption reached its walls and the 1693 earthquake destroyed much of the building. The reconstruction in the 18th century gave the monastery the size and Baroque style it has today, and the complex is part of the UNESCO heritage of the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto.
The Benedictine monks came from noble families and lived in comfort: the monastery has two large cloisters, a hanging garden, spacious kitchens and a library with decorated rooms. Excavations uncovered remains of a Roman house and the lava of 1669 itself, which can be seen in several spots.
Since the late 20th century the building has housed the Department of Humanities of the Universidade de Catânia, in a restoration by architect Giancarlo De Carlo. Next to it is the church of San Nicolò l'Arena, one of the largest in Sicily, with an unfinished façade.
Most of the monastery is seen on guided tours, with routes that include the kitchens, the undergrounds and the garden. There are tours in Italian and in other languages.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
The standard guided tour lasts about 1 hour; longer routes can take up to 2 hours.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon on weekdays, when the university is in session and there are more tour times. Book in advance in high season.
How to get there
It is located on the Piazza Dante, about a 10-minute walk from the Piazza del Duomo, going up via Via Vittorio Emanuele or Via dei Crociferi.
Tip
Book the guided tour in advance; tours in foreign languages have fewer departures. Wear comfortable shoes, as there are stairs and underground areas.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Monastero dei Benedettini di San Nicolò l'Arena
Do you need a guide to visit?
To see the interior, yes: most of the monastery is shown on guided tours. Book in advance, especially for times in other languages.
Why is the monastery so large?
The Benedictines of Catânia were wealthy and came from noble families. In the 18th-century reconstruction the building gained two cloisters, a garden and a library, becoming one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe.
Does the monastery still have monks?
No. Since the late 20th century it has housed the Department of Humanities of the University of Catânia.
Can you see the lava from 1669?
Yes. In some spots along the route you can see the lava from the eruption that reached the monastery walls.