Carini is a city in the province of Palermo and, to be precise, it is the third most populated city after the capital and Bagheria. It has a strategic location, bordering the municipalities of Capaci, Torretta, Monreale, and Montelepre. Additionally, it borders the municipality of Partinico to the southwest, the municipality of Terrasini to the west, and the municipality of Cinisi to the northwest, while its northern side is washed by the Gulf of Carini.
The distance from Palermo is 26 kilometers, which takes approximately 1 hour and 57 minutes by car.
Carini Palermo: What to Visit?
Visiting the town of Carini is undoubtedly a fantastic and unmissable experience. There are many places worth stopping by, and here are a few interesting suggestions.
To begin with, the Duomo of Carini is a must-see. Originally dedicated to Maria SS Assunta, this mother church was built at the end of the 15th century and includes the Oratory of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament and the chapel of St. Sebastian. It became a parish in 1523. The structure is imposing, with a Latin cross divided into three naves, and houses a significant number of artworks by some of the great protagonists of Sicilian art.
For example, there is the large canvas of the “Adoration of the Shepherds” dated 1575 by Alessandro Allori, a slate by Lo Zoppo di Ganci depicting the Crucifix between St. Francis and St. Onofrio, a precious wooden crucifix surrounded by a large reliquary of the Cross of the Holy Martyrs by an unknown author, and two more recent canvases by Vito D’Anna representing the “Our Lady of Sorrows” and the “Veronica.” Additionally, there are other famous works such as the frescoes of the central nave by Giuseppe Testa and the canvas depicting the “Marriage of the Virgin” by Antonio Manno.
A second stop could be the Church of the Agonizing, which is still an excellent example of Baroque style. One of its main features is the lateral walls adorned with golden stuccoes alternating with various scenes from the life of the Madonna. These frescoes have been attributed to Filippo Tancredi and Filippo Randazzo. Among the many paintings, there is also a canvas depicting the Madonna of the Agonizing. Historical records suggest that the church was probably completed around 1707, as indicated on the plaque in the transept.
Carini Palermo: What to Eat?
Of course, a proper tour also requires some culinary references. When visiting a new place, it is worth trying its flavors to return home enriched. Traditional dishes of the city include pasta alla norma, arancini, cannoli, cassate, etc. These are all dishes worth trying at least once in a lifetime, allowing you to complete a great culinary experience.