Savoca Catacombs in Italy is a place for brave. At first glance it seems just a beautiful village on top of a hill, surrounded by incredible landscapes and baroque architecture. However, exploring the place you will live a macabre but amazing experience to meet the petrified mummies on the walls of the catacombs.
Things to do
Convent of Cappucini
This Franciscan monastery is located on the outskirts of the city. The most impressive thing about this visit is when you go down some old stairs to an underground chamber where a surprise awaits you. This place keeps about 32 mummified remains of people of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In addition, you will meet those who were, among priests, doctors, and politicians, placed in niches in the crypt, next to their names and also a small biography.
The Mummies
All are dressed in the best clothes of the time, hats, suits and coats. However, what remains of your dry skin barely adheres to the decaying bone. Although it sounds very spooky, it is a once in a lifetime experience worth living. A guide will tell you the whole story while admiring each of the mummies.
Savoca
Rest from the hustle and bustle of the crowds in this beautiful and peaceful mountain village. Without a doubt, you will be impressed with the views and landscapes of the sea, the mountains, and the city. In addition, you can also stroll and get to know perfectly designed baroque palaces, towns, and churches. On the other hand, this place is also known because there were several scenes of Francis Ford Coppola’s film, The Godfather. Some scenes were made in the town square and in the Vitelli Bar.
How to get there
The nearest airport is Catania Airport (CTA), 1 hour from Savoca. The town is 20 minutes by car north of Taormina or 40 minutes by car south of Messina. Convento dei Cappucini is on the main road SP 19 towards the village from Santa Teresa di Riva.
When to go
Savoca can be visited throughout the year, although summer can be scorching. Autumn is ideal as local grapes and olives are harvested and food festivals are held throughout the region. December 13 is the feast of Saint Lucia, the patron saint of the city, and presents elaborate processions.
How long
The Savoca catacombs and its urban center can be visited as a half-day excursion from Taormina and Catania.
Opening and Closing Hours
Opening hours vary. Although the most common is from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm from April to October, and until 3:30 pm from November to March. However, check before visiting.
Planning
B&B Il Padrino, a restored 17th-century palace in the city center, rents rooms. They are comfortable and also have the facility of a small restaurant. This hotel is named after Francis Ford Coppola, who was filmed during the filming of the film. In addition, the owner of the place is a very kind lady who will welcome you with pleasure. On the other hand, to access the monastery there is no fixed price, only collaboration is necessary.
Inside Information
To get to the monastery is a bit of an easy road, however, it is not highly recommended for older or disabled adults. You cannot take pictures inside the monastery. In addition, due to the shocking images of the remains of the mummies, it is not recommended to bring children. On the other hand, once in the monastery, the woman who assists you is very kind and will take you through that world.
History
The term “Mummy” comes from an Arabic word that resembled the blackened resin that the ancient Egyptians used as a preservative. It all began with the tradition of mummifying bodies when it was used by the Franciscan orders as a reminder of the futility of vanity: “What you are, we were and what you will become”, seemed to proclaim the skeletal remains of the monks of the order. Ironically, the mummification ritual was adopted by the nobles of Savoca to symbolize its endurance. The oldest mummy, that is, the first, is a friar. His name was Silvestro da Gubbio, which has been standing in his niche since 1599.
Websites
- turismo.comune.savoca.me.it
Other Nearby Attractions
Palermo
It is the capital and the largest city of Sicily. Although it is an ancient city covered in history on every corner, it certainly remains one of the most populous and extremely rich in culture. Walk its narrow streets, the incredible monuments, and surprises that every corner of Palermo has for you. Also, visit the imposing cathedral linked by two arches to the bell tower, the palatine chapel of the Norman palace or the Quattro Canti square.
Siracusa
This is a complete city in every way. Keep a great story along with the tourist world that is growing every day. Syracuse holds one of the richest archaeological heritage in Italy. So take a day to tour this beautiful city. Admire the Greek theater or the Roman amphitheater, as well as the archaeological park of Neapolis and the cathedral of Siracusa.
Catania
Although this city has gone through a variety of bad times, everything is balanced when you admire the incredible and beautiful historic center. On the other hand, you have several options for walking. Its main attraction is the Santa Ágata Chair, its patron. In addition, at one end you can find the Fontana dell’Amenano, it is one of the few points where the Amenano River is seen, after being buried by an eruption in 1669.
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