Church of the Holy Spirit

The Church of the Holy Spirit is a Norman place of worship in Palermo built with three naves separated by massive pillars, featuring circular columns in the main naves and rectangular supports in the transept. The interior layout divides the space clearly with a balanced design that guides movement through the building.

The church was built as a Norman structure during the rule of that dynasty and became a key location in Sicily's political history. On March 30, 1282, it marked the starting point of a major uprising against French occupation that transformed the island's power structure.

The exterior displays the typical Sicilian style with alternating bands of light and dark stone, showing the blend of Arab and Norman building customs that shaped the island. This distinctive pattern marks the whole structure and reflects centuries of mixed cultural influences in the region.

The church is located within cemetery grounds and can be visited daily, with opening times mostly in the morning and midday hours. The grounds are designed to be accessible, allowing visitors with limited mobility to move through without obstacles.

Above the main altar hangs a wooden painting of Christ from the 16th century that survived centuries of rebuilding work. This artwork endured many changes to the church interior and remains a visual anchor for visitors today.

Location: Palermo

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 38.09970,13.36290

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:00