San Francesco di Paola, church building in Palermo, Italy
San Francesco di Paola is a church in Palermo featuring Spanish Gothic architecture with a single nave and deep side chapels. The interior is decorated throughout with marble, stuccos, and frescoes that cover the walls and ceilings.
Construction began in 1518 on a site that previously held an older church, when the Tailors Guild transferred the property to the Minim order. The building was developed using the Spanish Gothic style that was prevalent in Sicily during that period.
The name honors Saint Francis of Paola, founder of the Minim order that established this place as a spiritual center. Visitors can feel the connection between the saint and the community through the religious artworks and devotional spaces in the side chapels.
The church is located at Piazza San Francesco di Paola in the city center and is easily reached on foot from nearby areas. Since this is an active place of worship, visitors should dress respectfully and be mindful of ongoing services.
The second side chapel features a surprising architectural element: an octagonal drum with corner niches beneath a hemispherical dome dedicated to Saint Oliva. This unexpected geometric design sets it apart from the rest of the interior and catches many visitors by surprise.
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