Sicily

Chiesa di San Gaetano alle Grotte

Catania Città metropolitana di Catania €0

San Gaetano alle Grotte is a small church in Catania whose ancient substructure was putatively built around 260–300 as a chapel, perhaps a burial chapel, within a lava cave used as a cistern. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it faces Piazza Carlo Alberto, beside the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine.

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San Gaetano alle Grotte is a small church in Catania, facing Piazza Carlo Alberto beside the Santuario della Madonna del Carmine.

Its significance lies beneath the present building. The ancient substructure was putatively built around 260–300 as a chapel, perhaps a burial chapel, within a lava cave.

The cave was in use as a cistern, adding a distinctive subterranean dimension to this modest place of worship. The chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

San Gaetano alle Grotte is a place to visit for its early, layered history and unusual setting. Admission is free, and no booking is required.