Built in 1588 on the site of an earlier church dedicated to the Madonna di Oreto, the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima della Catena stands in Chiesa Vecchia at the highest point of the Quattropani district, on the western slopes of Mount Chirica. The building was enlarged in 1646, granted a plenary indulgence by Pope Pius X in 1905 at the request of Bishop Francesco Maria Raiti, elevated to the status of sanctuary on December 8, 1969, and restored in 2005.
What to see
The exterior features a plain, linear design. Its south elevation is outlined in local stone and contains three equal-sized doorways framed in lava stone blocks. A small window sits above the far-left entrance, and an asymmetrical pediment covers the two left bays. At the apex of the rooflines, a small arch holds the church bell. Architectural highlights include the presbytery dome, set on a cubic base with a circular drum showing Byzantine-Arab influences, and plastered roofs designed for rainwater collection. Inside, two 18th-century works are preserved: an oil painting on canvas of the Virgin and Child on the high altar and a wooden statue of the Madonna della Catena set within a niche. Below the nave lies the crypt, former cemetery of Quattropani, containing the remains of numerous children buried during the second half of the 19th century.
Visiting
The site is reachable via a paved road provided with parking and basic amenities. The natural lookout terrace overlooks the surrounding rocks and Mediterranean scrub, facing Salina, Filicudi, and Alicudi to the west, and Panarea and Stromboli to the east. Under clear lighting conditions, the Peloritani, Nebrodi, and Madonie mountain ranges can be seen to the south alongside Mount Etna. On September 7 and 8, the sanctuary marks the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary with a novena, pilgrimage, and processional parade.
Our editors' tip
Visit the lookout terrace on clear days to take in the dual view that encompasses both the neighbouring Aeolian islands to the west and Mount Etna on the Sicilian mainland.