Chiesa del Gesù

In the heart of Caltagirone, Sicily, stands the Chiesa del Gesù, also known by its full name, Chiesa della Circoncisione di Gesù. This magnificent church, alongside the Jesuit College, forms one of the most significant monumental complexes in the historic center of Caltagirone. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and spiritual significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring this charming Sicilian town.

The History of Chiesa del Gesù

The story of the Chiesa del Gesù begins in the late 16th century. On September 18, 1569, the Viceroy of Sicily, Francesco Ferdinando d'Avalos, Prince of Francavilla, suggested to the Municipal Council of Caltagirone the foundation of a Jesuit College, highlighting the benefits it would bring to the community in terms of both religion and education. Construction began in 1571, with the architect Andrea Calamech overseeing the works by 1574. Between 1589 and 1592, Antonuzzo Gagini contributed to the project, and by 1593, the church was opened for worship, as commemorated by a marble inscription.

The church faced significant challenges over the centuries, starting with the devastating earthquake of 1693, which destroyed much of the structure, sparing only the first order of the buildings. Restoration efforts in the 18th century culminated in the church's consecration on December 21, 1733, presided over by Bishop Matteo Trigona of Syracuse.

From the Bourbon Era to Modern Times

In 1767, the suppression of the Society of Jesus forced the Jesuits to leave Caltagirone. The Teresian nuns who took over the management of the church introduced and promoted the cult of Saint Teresa of Ávila. The nuns resided in the Jesuit premises until 1876, after which they moved to the Monastery of the Most Holy Savior. The former college was then repurposed for public education, with renovations extending until 1886.

The church endured further damage during the 1908 Messina earthquake, prompting the mayor, Luigi Sturzo, to recommend its closure. It reopened for worship in 1910. By 1921, the church was in a state of advanced decay, leading to the removal of statues from the facade and the demolition of the old bell tower for public safety.

World War II brought additional destruction, particularly to the decorative elements of the facade. On July 9, 1943, American bombers targeted Caltagirone, causing significant damage to the church's surroundings and structure. Restoration efforts began in 1955 and concluded in 1959, with the church reopening in 1960. Further restoration and structural consolidation of the convent took place in 1980, led by Salvatore Boscarino.

The Exterior of Chiesa del Gesù

The church's facade faces southwest, with the apse oriented to the northeast. The bell tower, reconstructed to the north, marks the left extremity. The roof features a recently crafted coffered ceiling. The facade is divided into two orders, with the lower order being the oldest. The central section of the facade boasts a portal topped by a large window with an arched pediment. Flanking the portal are pairs of Corinthian columns, adorned with intricate arabesques and flanked by niches containing statues of saints from the Society of Jesus.

Notable among these statues are Saint Francis Xavier, identified by the cartouche next to the portal, and other Jesuit saints, including Saint Francis Regis, Saint James Kisai, Saint John Soan de Goto, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Saint Francis Borgia, Saint Paul Miki, and possibly Saint Francis de Geronimo or Saint Stanislaus Kostka. Two cornices separate the orders, with volutes connecting the second order to the first. Statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul adorn the volutes, while the niches house sculptures of the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph.

The Interior of Chiesa del Gesù

The interior of the Chiesa del Gesù features a Latin cross layout with a single nave and spacious side chapels. The short but wide transept is adorned with stone elements carved by Antonuzzo Gagini.

Notable Chapels and Altars

The right nave houses several chapels, each with its own unique artwork and history. The Chapel of Saint Michael the Archangel, attributed to Filippo Paladini, features a painting of the archangel. The Chapel of the Relics, once a passage to the convent, contains oil paintings of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga and Saint Stanislaus. The Altar of Santa Maria Maggiore, gifted by Saint Francis Borgia, displays a painting of Santa Maria Maggiore surrounded by an elaborate wooden framework containing numerous relics.

The left nave includes the Chapel of the Madonna del Rosario, with a painting by Mario Albertella, and the Altar of the Pietà, featuring a work by Filippo Paladini depicting the Pietà and Saint James the Greater. The Chapel of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, sponsored by the Gravina family, showcases a painting of the saint framed by intricately carved marble columns.

The Presbytery and Notable Works

The presbytery, elevated by a step, features a marble balustrade and a gilded wooden structure housing a painting of the Circumcision of Jesus. The church also possesses a 16th-century wooden crucifix attributed to Calogero Cusumano.

The Tamburini Organ

The church's Tamburini organ, restored by Arte Organaria, was inaugurated in 2023 with a lecture by Monsignor Giuseppe Liberto and a concert by Gianluca Libertucci. A commemorative ceramic plaque by Giacomo Cusumano marks the event.

The Chiesa del Gesù, with its rich history, architectural splendor, and spiritual significance, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Jesuits in Caltagirone. Its walls and artworks tell stories of faith, resilience, and artistic achievement, making it a captivating destination for visitors to this historic Sicilian town.