Santa Ninfa dei Crociferi, Baroque church in Via Maqueda, Palermo, Italy
Santa Ninfa dei Crociferi is a baroque church with a cross-shaped interior, a large central presbytery, and six chapels flanking a single nave. The facade was completed in the 18th century, well after the initial construction phase had begun.
The church was founded in 1601 with support from local senators and wealthy families who helped finance the project. Construction was slowed by financial difficulties that stretched the work across more than a century.
The church is named after a saint and displays paintings by local artists depicting religious figures and scenes. These works are distributed across multiple side chapels and shape the interior's visual character.
The church sits on Via Maqueda near other baroque buildings and is easy to reach from the famous Quattro Canti intersection. Visitors should dress appropriately and be aware that the church may close during services or prayer times.
The church holds the tomb of a British diplomat from the early 19th century and also preserves relics of a saint who founded a religious community. This combination makes it a place with both secular and spiritual history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.