Varò Church

The Church of Varò, also known as Church of the Visitation, located at the end of a stairway near Corso Umberto, in the historic center of Taormina. The church dates from the fifteenth century and was built thanks to the contribution of Blasio Corvaja and was completed by his brother Sigismund. The origin of this church is not to be found in a previous era, as evidenced by the presence of a crypt inside, typically it used by Christians to profess their faith during the time of persecution. The Church of Varò is characterized by modest architecture style not well defined. The portal is made with Taormina stone. Above this portal there is a window with a sill and jambs made of Siracusa stone. In addition to the portal, a tower, the bell tower of the church, characterize the structure. Inside the Church of Varò it consists of a single nave with the center the main altar on which is placed a statue of the Madonna Addolorata. Every year, on Good Friday, a procession of the deepest and most striking city starts from here. The atmosphere during the procession on Good Friday recalls the medieval period. The sisters of the Congregation of the Madonna Addolorata, all dressed in black, carrying on their shoulders the launches of the Madonna through the streets of the old town lit by torches on the walls.