I two cloisters which are located within the Benedictine Monastery of San Nicolò l'Arena in Catania, one of the largest monasteries in Europe and a jewel of the late baroque Sicilian, constitute one of the most beautiful attractions within this prestigious structure declared by the'Unesco World Heritage in 2002. Today the building is home to the DiSUM ofUniversity of CataniaLet's discover history and curiosities together.
The cloister: a space with a spiritual function
From the very beginning, the cloister was the structure in which the friar sought intimacy with God and where he finds “shelter” from the world. cloister essentially had this spiritual function and it was a unique place also from a structural point of view because it was open but covered.
A fundamental role in this structure was that of the light, which rested on the surfaces becoming a metaphysical divine presence and illuminating the environment.
The Eastern and Western Cloisters: the metal corridor and the clock corridor
Between the two cloisters of the Benedictine monastery, those of the East and West, both occupying a surface area of 2.500 m², is located on the second floor the “clock corridor“, in fact, measures 214 m. It is in fact the longest corridor. It unites two distinct parts on the sides, the refectory and the kitchen, the library, the night choir of the entire structure built by Vaccarini and improved by Giancarlo De CarloThe ingenious architect also created a particular metal structure called metal corridor, known by all students of the department as "bridge" and used as a study space. From the windows on both the right and left, you can admire the two cloisters.
The oldest of the two cloisters: the western one
The western cloister or Marble Fountain It is the structure that suffered the most damage from the disastrous lava flow 1669. Also known as “Cloister of the Marbles“it was built in 1600 and owes its name to the use of the famous Carrara marble, present in the colonnade, part of the balustrade and in the monumental quadrilobate fountain, typical structural elements of the Renaissance. Another name that distinguishes it is that of Cloister of the Orange Trees, present on the site as ornamental trees.
The ancient fountain dates back to 1644, a work commissioned to master Ioannes Lumbardelli. When the site was taken away from the religious and given to the Municipality of Catania, the fountain was dismantled in 1879 to build a outdoor gymThe precious cloister was used as a playground by the many students who attended the monastery, which was converted into a public school (the Istituto Regio Carlo Gemmellaro) and barracks. The fountain was dismantled and moved to Piazza Cutelli, losing some pieces. In 2004, it was decided to reassemble it. The area remained a school site until 1977, when the University of Catania acquired the site.
The dismantled pieces came to light again on the occasion of some works in 1980, even found in the sewer system of Piazza Dante. The ancient cup of the fountain even lay nearby Ingrassia PalaceThrough some excavations it was possible to recover and relocate also three of the steps that made up the original base and that had been buried. The entire structure is now finally open to the public following some enhancement and restoration works, albeit with some clear modifications due to the total reconstruction of the entire complex.
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Marble Cloister: renovated
It is one of the cloisters of the second largest monastery in EuropeIt underwent further renovations last May, following the 2017 works that saw the reopening and use of its spaces, which had been closed for years for conservation purposes, particularly since 2008, to students and limited to tourists and visitors guided by the Officine Culturali association.
Since last May, the marble cloister has been revitalized thanks to the restoration of its original flooring. Specifically, the walking surface around the fountain has been resurfaced, with terracotta paving bordered by gray gravel areas that also house plants. The fountain was restored between 2006 and 2008 and became operational again in 2017.
In recent years, the site has also hosted numerous events and theatrical performances. The cloister has returned to its splendor, and that intense aroma of history has returned.
The most beautiful of the three cloisters: the one of the East or of the Caffeaos
Il Eastern Cloister adds to the magnificent Western CloisterIt is very particular because it hosts an atypical building in the centre, the eclectic Caffeaos, neo-Gothic, decorated with colorful majolica tiles with typical Arab motifs from Vietri. It is a shrine designed by the architect Musumeci. The evocative site also presents itself as a true garden with different natural species.
It is connected to the Church of San Nicolò. There are porticoes supported by pillars and round arches, with a continuous terrace above. The building was constructed in 1842.
This space features four regular flowerbeds at the corners and a central one. Before the monastery became the seat of the University of Catania, this site hosted the monks' recreational hours. Here, they drank coffee and cooled off during the long, hot summer afternoons. It later became a guesthouse.
It is said that he also came here Goethe during the Catania stage of his Grand Tour in Italy. It was a sort of state garden for the many guests of the Benedictine Monastery. The cloister is also mentioned in the book De Roberto's Viceroys and as a film set for: Story of a blackcap directed by the teacher F. Zeffirelli e Metallurgist Mimì wounded in honor di L. WertmüllerHistoric photographs testify to the presence of statues, now lost, inside the café.
Hanging Garden of the Novices
Inside the majestic monastery there is also a particular hanging garden, built on the lava flow from 1669, for the novices. They were the scions of prestigious Sicilian families; they were usually between 8 and 10 years old. The hanging garden is located on the upper floor. It was built according to the classic plan of the cloistered gardens. The space sees the coexistence of old structures, such as the old destroyed columns, and new ones, such as the artistic fountain, which returned to function in 2017. The original space was transformed to accommodate the functions of the building, which became, as already mentioned, a school and observatory. The hanging garden was born at the same time and under the inspiration of theBotanical garden.
Part of the garden destroyed by the lava once stood here. Much of the land was earmarked for the pavilions of the new hospital dedicated to the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel. The garden features palm trees, succulents, column trellises, and benches designed to provide shade and coolness. The grounds were irrigated by external terracotta pipes, using water collected in cisterns.
At the far end is a white stone seat resembling a small house with small windows and circular openings. There's also a fountain at floor level. From this space, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the dome of the Church of San Nicolò. Today, it's a favorite spot for students.
In 2008 the Sicilian Region recognized the monastery as Work of Contemporary ArchitectureIt is a historic site, of enormous symbolic, cultural, and artistic value, worthy of being known and promoted due to the unique nature of its history and structure.
Photo of St. Portal
