The Cathedral of Sant'Agata, destroyed several times due to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, was initially built in 1708 on the ruins of the Achilleane Baths, which can still be visited today by accessing from the Cathedral itself. The Cathedral was damaged in 1194 by fire and destroyed in 1693 by the terrible earthquake that struck the city. The Palermo architect Gian Battista Vaccarini redesigned the façade of the Cathedral in Sicilian Baroque style. The facade was made of Carraro marble divided into three composite orders in Corinthian and Attic style decorated with statues of Sant'Agata. Above the central portal are the statues of Sant'Euplio (on the right) and San Berillo (on the left). The oval windows on the sides bear the engraving of two acronyms linked to the cult of Saint Agatha: NOPAQUIE (Noli ofendere patriam Agathae quia ultrix iniuriam est – Do not offend Agatha's homeland because she is the avenger of all injustice) and MSSHDEPL (Mentem Sanctam spontaneum honorem Deo et Patriae liberationem).
The bell tower, built in 1387, underwent several modifications until it was raised to 100 meters to allow the insertion of the clock while the construction of the dome dates back to 1802. Based on a design by the architect Carmelo Sciuto Patti, the bell tower and the lantern were completed . The churchyard is bordered by a wrought iron gate with 10 bronze saints.
The Cathedral has a Latin cross plan with three naves and there are numerous works that can be admired inside. At the end of the right nave is the chapel dedicated to Sant'Agata. From the finely decorated golden door you enter the underground "cammaredda" where the relics of the Saint are kept.
