“An English church in Palermo?” you might ask. Yes indeed. Let’s explore the Church of the Holy Cross or Santa Croce. It is a testament to Palermo’s diverse past.
In the 19th century, Palermo saw an influx of English entrepreneurs. They invested in Sicily and formed a thriving Anglican community. Initially, they held services in a wing of Palazzo Lampedusa. But soon, the community needed a dedicated space for worship.
Two English businessmen stepped forward to finance a new church. These men were Joseph Whitaker and his cousin Benjamin Ingham Jr. Ingham donated land opposite Palazzo Ingham. Sadly, Ingham died in 1872. Whitaker took charge of the project.
Construction of Santa Croce began in 1872. It was completed in 1875. The architect was Henry Christian, Whitaker’s son-in-law. The church’s organ came directly from London. T. W. Walker & Sons built it. The organ was restored in 2003 for its centenary.
After Joseph Whitaker died in 1884, his son Joshua managed Santa Croce. Later, Joshua’s brother Joseph and niece Delia took over. In 1962, Delia entrusted the church to the Diocese of Gibraltar. Today, Santa Croce belongs to the Church of England. It is part of the Diocese in Europe.
Santa Croce’s style is typical of Anglican churches from that era. It features a large central rose window. A slender bell tower rises to a point. The building has a rectangular base. The facades are simple with few decorations. Small skylights provide light.
Inside, the pulpit is a striking feature. Sculptor Benedetto Civiletti crafted it from colorful marbles. Documents about the church’s history are at the Fondazione Giuseppe Whitaker.
Santa Croce stands as a reminder of Palermo’s international connections. It is a place of worship with a unique history.