The relics of Saint Agatha were stolen and brought to Constantinople in 1040 by the Byzantine general Giorgio Maniace. Some relics (part of the skull, chest, and some internal organs) are preserved inside the half-bust of Agata; others are kept in special reliquaries placed inside a large silver casket.
The Cathedral of Catania houses the red veil which, according to legend, was placed on Agatha's body during her martyrdom by burning coals. According to some sources, the veil was part of the dress with which Agata appeared for trial; according to another legend Agatha wore a white tunic which turned red when it came into contact with the fire of the embers. Over the centuries, the veil was carried in procession to stop the lava of Etna.
Related topic:
- Agata, noble and holy
- Catania and the veneration of Sant'Agata
- Sant'Agata, the origins of the festival.
- The relics of the Saint
- The Vara
- The candlesticks
- The habit
- The sack
- The offering of wax
- Agata's treasure
- The sweets
