The church of the hermit saint
The Church of Sant’Antonio Abate is one of the minor churches of Nicosia’s historic centre. Dedicated to the 4th-century Egyptian hermit saint — considered the father of Christian monasticism — it is the reference point for the popular 17 January feast, one of the most heartfelt in the Sicilian farming calendar.
The bell tower in the skyline
The bell tower of Sant’Antonio stands next to the Church of the Most Holy Saviour, forming one of the most recognisable skylines in Nicosia’s historic centre. They are the twin profiles visible in photographs of the town from the panoramic road.
The 17 January feast
The Saint Anthony feast marks the start of the Nicosian celebration calendar of the year. The occasion includes:
- solemn mass in the dedicated church;
- blessing of domestic animals in the churchyard — dogs, cats, donkeys, horses, goats, symbol of Saint Anthony’s protection over working animals;
- Fire of Saint Anthony lit in some rural districts on the evening of 17 January, an ancient tradition of the Nicosian countryside;
- distribution of Saint Anthony’s loaves.
See also the Saint Anthony event in the calendar.
To visit
- 17 January feast: the main day to visit the church and join the celebrations.
- On request: contact the Cathedral Parish or the Municipal Tourism Office for access outside the celebrations.
- Combine with: visit the adjacent Church of the Most Holy Saviour.