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Visit Termini Imerese
termini Imerese is a historically important town on the northern coast of Sicily.
Your visit to Termini Imerese can start from the “Piazza del Duomo” - here you can see the “Palazzo del Comune”, decorated with frescoes by Vincenzo La Barbera (1577 approx.-1642) that depict the history of the city.
The Cathedral in Termini Imerese, dating from the 15th century but rebuilt in the 17th century, has a marble relief of the “Madonna del Ponte” by Ignazio Marabitti (1719-1797), and a precious 18th century wooden statue of the 'Immacolata" by Filippo Quattrocchi [1738-1813]. The cathedral has a Latin cross form with a transept. Inside are the "Virgin of the Bridge" by Filippo Marabitti; the statue of the “Madonna della Mazza” by Giorgio da Milano; a 16th century statue of the 'Immacolata", and a painted cross by Pietro Ruzzolone (1484-1526). In the ancient chapel of St. Agostino Novello, the patron saint of Termini are wall paintings, dating back to the second half of the seventeenth century, which represent two significant moments in the life of the saint
Termini Imerese Museum and Art Gallery
Beside the cathedral there is a museum that includes an archaeological section and the Art Gallery. The former collects material from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic times from the local caves, also some remains of the excavations in Himera, including two Attic figures dating back to the fifth century BC, a coin collection with Greek, Roman and Punic coins and finally, in the Hall, Hellenistic and Roman pottery, lamps, vases, statues from the Forum and several Roman inscriptions.
The archaeological hall leads to the chapel of St. Michael Archangel, painted by Nicolò da Pettineo (16th century), and which holds a triptych with the “Madonna and Saints” by Gaspare da Pesaro (15th century), of the fifteenth century; a marble cross from the school of Antonello Gagini; and a 15th century sculpture depicting the Trinity. From the chapel we enter the Art Gallery, and various works from the 17th - 19th centuries. In particular, these include the Flemish style 16th c. “Annunciation” ; some works by local painter Vittorio Barbera [17th century]; “St. Sebastian” by Francesco Solimena (1657-1747); and and 18th century Byzantine triptych.
A little further along is the 14th century church of S. Catherine of Alexandria, with a pointed arch doorway surmounted by a bas-relief of the effigy of the saint.
Ancient ruins in Termini Imerese
Nearby is the park of “Villa Palmeri”, where we can see the ruins of the Roman Curia, consisting of public buildings once used for civil and religious ceremonies. These buildings were located close to the Amphitheatre and the Forum.
We find the ruins of the Roman Amphitheatre outside the park along the “Via Anfiteatro”. Originally it had an elliptical shape, with a maximum diameter of 80 meters, and contained 14 orders of stairs surrounded by a platform supported by 36 columns or piers, and it could hold more than 4,000 spectators. Finally, among the important structures of Roman origin, is the aqueduct of Cornelius, the construction of which probably dates to the first century BC. It was destroyed in 1338 by the Anjou to force the defenders to surrender, and it is one of the most innovative structures of Roman origin in Sicily. The Aqueduct of Cornelius had its origins at the foot of Mount San Calogero, at the hot springs of Brucato, and water came five miles along the aquaduct to Upper Termini Imerese.
About twenty kilometers from the ruins of Termini Imerese is placed the ancient “Himera”, situated a top of a hill. The remains of walls and part of three sacred temples have been discovered here. The most important building is the Temple of Victory, dating back to the fifth century BC, and located at the foot of the hill. The temple, dedicated to Athena, was with six Doric columns at the front and 14 on the long side - we can still see some remains of the columns and the porch. The entablature was once decorated with a lion's head sculpture, now in the Archaeological Museum of Palermo.
Other highlights
The Middle Ages in Termini Imerese are represented by the Castle. In 1578 it already consisted of several buildings and imposing towers that rose from the rock. The castle was almost completely destroyed in 1860 at the hands of the Bourbons, and of the old structures only a few short stretches of the walls and a large cistern for collecting water remain today.
Finally, we recommend a visit to the “Piazza Terme”, where a complex of baths is situated in an old hotel, dating back to the late 19 century and by Giuseppe Damiani Almeyda (1834-1911). The Baths offer many treatments, with mud-bath therapy, sauna and cave spa treatments for face, body and stress. After a relaxing session at the Spa, there is nothing better than to stop at some local restaurant to get to know the cuisine of the city - try perhaps the so called “lasagne cacate”, made with ricotta cheese and sausage.
See also Termini Imerese history and etymology. Note Termini Imerese town hall photo by Bjs is copyright.
See the the Sicily travel guide for more places to visit in the same region as Termini Imerese.