Santa Maria di Portosalvo, Renaissance church in Kalsa district, Palermo, Italy.
Santa Maria di Portosalvo is a Renaissance church with a marble facade located at the intersection of Via Portosalvo and Corso Vittorio Emanuele in central Palermo. The building contains three naves with multiple side chapels that create a complex interior layout.
Construction began in 1526 under the direction of Antonello Gagini, a prominent Renaissance architect. After Gagini's death in 1536, his sons Antonino and Giacomo continued the building work.
The interior chapels show late Gothic details and are divided by marble columns that structure the space. A starry vault designed by Antonio Scaglione crowns the nave above.
The church sits at a central crossroads in Palermo and is easily accessible on foot from surrounding neighborhoods. The surrounding area is dense with other historic sites, making it convenient to visit along with nearby attractions.
In 1581 the building underwent a major alteration when Viceroy Marcantonio Colonna ordered the extension of Cassaro street. Part of its structure was cut away to accommodate this urban expansion.
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