San Francesco all'Immacolata

San Francesco all'Immacolata is a Baroque church in Catania featuring a limestone facade with sixteen columns and three statues adorning its entrance. The interior contains 18th-century paintings and works by local artists from that period.

A church at this location was founded in 1329 by Queen Eleanor of Anjou. Following the severe 1693 Sicily earthquake, the building was completely reconstructed.

The church displays ornaments reflecting religious devotion to the Immaculate Conception, a theme deeply rooted in Sicily. The entire design of the interior and facade expresses local reverence for Francis.

The building sits in Piazza San Francesco next to Corso Vittorio Emanuele, accessed by a grand staircase made from Etna lava stone. The location offers easy orientation, and the church is accessible from the main streets.

The northern turret functions as a bell tower holding three bronze bells that have announced services for the city across centuries. Above sit iron weathervanes that indicate the cardinal directions.

Location: Catania

Architectural style: Sicilian Baroque

GPS coordinates: 37.50282,15.08517

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06