Santa Teresa alla Kalsa, Baroque church in Kalsa district, Palermo, Italy
Santa Teresa alla Kalsa is a baroque church in the Kalsa district featuring a three-tiered facade with statues of Dominican saints set in niches and a marble medallion of the Holy Family above its entrance. The interior contains notable artworks including a painting of the Transverberation of Saint Teresa and four works depicting Eucharistic symbols.
Construction began in 1688 under the direction of architect Giacomo Amato and was completed in 1706 by Discalced Carmelite nuns. The site was built on land that had formerly served as a Muslim cemetery, marking a significant transition in the area's religious history.
The name honors Saint Teresa of Avila, founder of the Discalced Carmelite order whose devotion shapes the interior's character. The church continues to serve as a place of worship where visitors can observe how this saint remains central to the religious life of the community.
The church is open daily for visitors and remains an active place of worship, so check ahead to plan your visit around service times. Its central location in Piazza Kalsa makes it easy to reach on foot and serves as a good starting point for exploring the surrounding historic neighborhood.
The main altar features an unusual combination of semi-precious stones including agates, amethysts, and lapis lazuli, complemented by intricately carved figures of Saint Teresa and Saint Anne by sculptor Giacomo Serpotta. This particular blend of materials and craftsmanship makes the altar one of the church's most precious decorative elements.
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