Santo Stefano Quisquina
the Town of Theatre of Andromeda and the Santa Rosalia

recommended visit time
5 hours

Nearby Santo Stefano Quisquina town there is a spot of extraordinary beauty: the Theatre of Andromeda. For thirty years the local shepherd–sculptor–filosopher Lorenzo Reina has been building a unique open air theatre of breathtaking beauty. Lorenzo has turned his “Art Farm” into a “Themenos”, a space dedicated to art and beauty where form and content are brought together and every stone has a meaning and a significance. The Theatre is a universal stage where kairòs (time), téchne (competence) and physìs (nature) meet in perfect harmony. The theatre is located on the top of a steep cliff overlooking an endless valley; it has 108 stone cubical seats which at first seats which at first sight appear to be blocks scattered chaotically over the area but on closer inspection they prove to be carefully laid out to represent the constellation of Andromeda. If you’re lucky, you might even manage to attend a summer night event here. If not, treat yourself to the delicious local cheeses (Formaggi dei Monti Sicani) and enjoy a simple but tasty meal in the area.

Near the Andromeda Theater lie the Hermitage of Santa Rosalia and the Mother Church of Santo Stefano Quisquina, places of remarkable spiritual allure.

Santo Stefano Quisquina is yet another of the Sicani Mountain villages, steeped in history dating back to the Norman arrival in Sicily. In Piazza Castello, close to a beautiful 18th-century fountain, stands the coeval Baronial Palace, not far from the Mother Church. This church embodies the soul of the stefanese people, preserving the community’s spiritual heritage and valuable works of sacred art, including the oldest painting of Santa Rosalia, dating back to 1464. This treasured piece confirms the saint’s devotion in Agrigento nearly two centuries before her relics were discovered on Monte Pellegrino in Palermo.

The church’s exterior, austere yet impressive, contrasts with its ornate interior. Medieval in design but remodeled over centuries, the Mother Church has three naves, with the central nave rising higher and stretching longer than the lateral ones, graced by an evocative barrel vault. Inside, other treasured artworks include the silver reliquary of Santa Rosalia, a wooden crucifix, and several paintings by the Manno brothers, who were among the most esteemed Sicilian artists of the 18th century.

A few kilometres out of town, in a deep oak wood, the Hermitage of Santa Rosalia lies in splendid isolation. Santa Rosalia is the venerated patron saint of the town as well as the beloved protector of the City of Palermo. Rosalia was born in 1130 to Ruggero Sinibaldi and Maria Guiscarda and her family was linked to the royal Altavilla dynasty. Rosalia grew up in the sumptuous court of Palazzo dei Normanni but at the age of 15 she left the luxury of her noble surroundings and withdrew into spiritual retreat in a cave on the Mountains of Quisquina, one of her father’s properties at the time. Several centuries later, in 1760, the Sanctuary was built over the cave where she had dwelt in solitude for twelve years, between 1150 and 1162. Many pilgrims still come and visit the young saint’s humble cave dwelling.

Tourist Information
THIS information is subject to change without prior notice

Santo Stefano Quisquina: distance from Agrigento approx. 67 Km

Contacts of organizations and associations which offer tourist information and other useful services:

Teatro di Andromeda: information and booking of visits

+393760428723

Municipality of Santo Stefano Quisquina: Public Relations Office

+39 0922982595

Pro Loco Santo Stefano Quisquina:

+39 347596 3469

Santo Stefano Quisquina: the coordinates indicate Teatro di Andromeda.

The icons on the map indicate the points of interest and useful tourist services: open the map in full screen and click on the icons to visualize the information.

GPS
N 37° 37' 36.42''
E 13° 30' 8.77''

Google maps
37.626781, 13.502434

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