The Chiesa del Purgatorio is on Via Terravecchia, and dates from 1649.  This was the first Mother Church of the city, and at the time of its construction, it was built inside the castle walls.

We found ourselves at a lookout point, with incredible views of the surrounding area.

The former Ospedale di Santo Spirito, at Via Repubblica, #1, is an old hospital that, at the time of our visit, was still being used for medical purposes.  We have learned that, since our visit, the former hospital has now returned to being a functioning hospital, this time treating COVID patients.

Next to the former hospital, and part of the same monumental complex, you will find the Chiesa di San Lorenzo.  This is the oldest church in the city, and was built before the arrival of the Arabs in Sicily.

At the time of its construction, in 1490, the Chiesa di Loreto was outside the city walls.  That is not the case today.  The church was built by the citizens of Carini, as gratitude for the Madonna’s intervention, during an invasion by the Saracens.  The invaders saw armed citizens standing outside the city walls, ready and waiting for a fight, and decided not to continue with the raid, but instead got back into their ships, and sailed away.  The church was built on the spot where the armed citizens stood, ready to defend their homes.

Next up: We take a private tour of the Museo Civico!

<em>Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translations that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Carini, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!</em>