Mother Church in Giarre
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The Mother Church of Giarre, dedicated to San Isidoro Agricola Protector of the city, is a splendid example of neo-classical architecture.
It was built starting from 1794, in the place where a previous structure dedicated to Sant'Agata and San isidoro, but only in 1845 did work begin to complete the front elevation.
The facade, made entirely of white Comiso stone, consists of a monumental portico surmounted by two massive square-based bell towers with four clocks. The dome, surmounted by a lantern, rests on a drum with windows.
The interior, in the shape of a Latin cross, is divided into three naves by means of coupled columns. Columns and capitals are in Tuscan-Ionic style.
Inside the church are kept works of notable artistic value: a canvas by the great artist from Acese Pietro Paolo Vasta, depicting the Immaculate Conception and saints; a red tapestry with gold thread embroidery depicting an eagle with a cross on its chest; a Bourbon coat of arms with the initials C.G., i.e. city of Giarre and the depiction of seven towers, symbol of the county of Mascali.
Connected to the church is the Camposanto Vecchio, hypogeum made up of the ancient crypts of the church of Sant'Agata and Sant'Isidoro.
