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Don't be put off by the plain exterior. It is hiding a stunning interior. Inside an avenue of grey Billiemi marble Corinthian columns of up to 10m in height, divides the 3 naves. There are brilliant frescoes, Serpotta stucco work, marble inlaid decoration and private side chapels built by noble Sicilian families, each richly decorated. It’s quite stunning. I particularly liked the two fonts for holy water by the front door. Normally fonts are simple basins, but these are each held by a large angel who appears to have swooped down from Heaven right at the very moment, to meet you at the door. They were made by Ignazio Marabitti (who also made the Genius of Palermo fountain at Villa Giulia). On the left is a very delicately beautiful Madonna (by Gagini who did many other Madonnas in Palermo). It is an image of a young, ethereal Mary with a draped gold and white gown, the sculpted flows in the fabric looking so real it’s hard to think that they are marble. It’s easy to overlook this church. We nearly did so because the front entrance is set into the southwest corner of Quattro Canti and that striking intersection steals all the attention. The church seems to blend into the surrounding buildings and in any case, the façade is simple and severe and would be unlikely to draw you in. It consists essentially of a pair of large columns, an unremarkable tympanum and a niche with a statue of San Giuseppe (Joseph) standing above a symbol of an axe (symbol of carpenters). There is one striking external feature - the green and yellow majolica tiled dome which you can see from many angles once you’re further away (best seen from the Fountain of Shame). However, it took me some time to connect the dome with the plain church façade opposite our hotel. The other thing to mention is that it was only open occasionally so if you happen to see the doors unlocked, then take the opportunity to have a look. We popped in but there was a mass on and we did not want to intrude so we only stood at the back and looked from there.…
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Date of experience: February 2020
6 Helpful votes
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Every square centimeter is a Baroque parade. The walls are literally covered in white marble flowers and angels in various allegoric compositions. From distance, it looks like a lace, but it's a lace sculpted in pure white marble. The columns are made of black marble, for some contrast and the vault is outstanding. The light will play the rest of the show. The large dome of this church, with a blue and yellow majolica covering, is an iconic landmark of Palermo, as it is visible from the sea. I'm not a big fan of Baroque, as architectonic style, yet I have to admit that this church worth a visit.…
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Date of experience: June 2020
14 Helpful votes
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Palermo has lots of stunning churches, but of the ones I saw this is the standout for both architecture and atmosphere. Really worth a visit.
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Date of experience: January 2020
2 Helpful votes
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Sumptuously decorated baroque masterpiece that feels full of light and colour. Walking up the central aisle, it's as though a magnificent orchestra is being summoned into being. A must see.
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Date of experience: October 2019
1 Helpful vote
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Just off of the Quattro Canti crossroads, we found this church open as Mass was being celebrated. We were able to go in and take a look although could only see it from the back and sides as it is obviously inappropriate to be wandering round during a service. A stunning contrast between the black marble columns and the more ornate paintings and frescoes. Do visit if you get a chance.…
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Date of experience: September 2018
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