Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio

Gazing upon Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio, one can almost hear the echoes of its rich history. This Baroque masterpiece stands as a testament to the architectural genius of Angelo Italia. Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio isn’t just a church. It’s a story etched in stone, a narrative whispered through the ages. The Jesuits, in 1633, laid the foundation for their fourth house in Palermo. It was intended as a place of study for seminarians in their third year. The church, dedicated to the Jesuit missionary Saint Francis Xavier, was the vision of Giovanna Aragona Ventimiglia, Marchioness of Giarratana. Construction began in 1634 under the watchful eye of Archbishop Giovanni Doria. The residence was completed by 1680. The church itself, however, underwent a transformation in 1685, adopting Italia’s innovative octagonal design. Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio, finally completed in 1710, was consecrated in 1711 by Archbishop Bartolomeo Castelli. The expulsion of the Jesuits in 1767 marked a turning point. The seminary was repurposed as a trade school, then a military hospital in 1800. The facade of Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio is a study in contrasts, with detached columns framing the entrance and spiraling Solomonic columns flanking the portal. A bas-relief of St. Francis Xavier graces the top. Inside, chapels are dedicated to various figures, including the Crucifix, St. Ignatius Loyola, San Calcedonio, the Holy Family, St. Francis Xavier, and Santa Rosalia. The church’s journey reflects the changing tides of history. It stands as a silent witness to Palermo’s vibrant past, a reminder of the enduring power of faith and architecture.