Church of Sant'Ignazio in Piedimonte Etneo
The Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola in Piedimonte Etneo, also known as the Church of Carmine, is an important building of worship in the Etna village. The church is dedicated to the patron saint of the city and founder of the Companion of Jesus.
The history of this building is long and complex: the construction of the church dates back to 1689 and of the original building only a mullioned window walled up on the east side remains ; in 1693 the terrible earthquake in Val Di Noto caused extensive damage to the structure, it was demolished and rebuilt in 1895 in neo-Gothic style.
The façade is divided into three orders by string course frames decorated with geometric motifs. On the first level there is a large portal set in a pointed arch in neo-Gothic style and flanked by niches, also with pointed arches, containing statues of saints. On the second tier, in a central position, the large one stands out. On the third level there is a fine balustrade and the two lateral bell towers, located on the sides of the central body.
