Linera: Churches, Nature and History

Linera combines a multifaceted religious history with the designated Bosco di Linera. The place name derives from extensive areas where flax was once cultivated. Finds of gold and silver coins from graves indicate that the area was already inhabited during the time of the Roman Republic.

Churches as Historical Landmarks

The Chiesa Maria SS. Immacolata (Chiesa Vecchia) was blessed on June 8, 1815, opened for worship and recognized as a public church in the same year. An earthquake almost completely destroyed it on June 18, 1879. As part of the reconstruction, it was rebuilt in the same proportions as before, but in a simpler style.

The Chiesa Maria SS. del Lume also tells a story of construction and change. Its reconstruction began in 1921. On March 19, 1922, the church, which was still being rebuilt, was designated as Linera's main church. It was consecrated and opened for worship in 1934, even though it was still unfinished.

The first church built in the area dates back to the 16th century and was dedicated to Maria Vergine della Catena. The present parish church of Maria Vergine contains the marble components of the altar from this earlier church. It also houses a valuable Baroque-style pallio that was already present in the old chapel.

In Linera, Maria SS. del Lume is celebrated on the third Sunday of November.

Nature and Landscape around Linera

Bosco di Linera is part of the natural landscape. Under the decree of April 3, 2000, the area is designated both as a Special Protection Area and as a Site of Community Importance. Cosentini is practically integrated into the Linera area and includes the almost 5-hectare Parco Oasi Naturalistico. Its land was formerly used as a hunting ground.

Museums, Palaces, Beaches and Cave

Several clearly distinct destinations are located around Linera. Villa Manganelli is a museum in the vicinity of Linera. Palazzo Musmeci is a palace in the vicinity of Linera. Palazzo Corvaja is a palace in the vicinity of Linera. Castello Normanno is a castle in the vicinity of Linera. Spiaggia Praiola is a beach in the vicinity of Linera. Spiaggia di Capomulini is a beach in the vicinity of Linera. Spiaggia Sant'Anna is a beach in the vicinity of Linera. Grotta dei Tre Livelli is a cave in the vicinity of Linera.

Getting to Linera

For reaching Linera, the SP 49/II is the specific landmark: Linera can be reached via this road up to the town entrance.

Further travel destinations for orientation: Ragalna, Mascalucia, Linguaglossa, San Leonardello, Valverde, Santa Maria Di Licodia, Piedimonte Etneo and Riposto.

For the higher-level travel overview: Catania.