Monastery of San Nicolò La Rena
Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò La Rena, also known as the Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena, is located near the city of Nicolosi near the Etna park.
It was founded in the 12th century with the function of shelter and hospital for the sick who were cared for by the monks of the nearby convent of Santa Maria di Licodia. In this place, there was an ancient rock church, a hospice for the hospitalization of sick monks, some cottages and some owned stables
Following the birth of some monasteries, the monastery became the main seat for the cult of the saint and since then the building began to expand and became the destination of numerous spiritual pilgrimages, so much so that Queen Eleonora d'Angiò decides to die in the monastery.
In the 16th century, following several attacks by brigands, the monks decided to move to Catania and the convent was deconsecrated. In March 2005 the monastery was renovated and houses the headquarters of the Etna Park Authority.
