San Francesco Saverio, or the Chiesa di San Francesco Saverio, is a stunning example of Sicilian Baroque architecture nestled in the vibrant heart of Palermo's historic district. Built by the Jesuits starting in 1684, this church stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious history of the city, captivating visitors with its intricate designs, historical significance, and spiritual ambiance.
The origins of San Francesco Saverio date back to the 17th century when the Jesuits established their fourth house of third probation in Palermo. The church was constructed under the guidance of the Jesuit architect Angelo Italia, who began the work in 1685. The construction was completed in 1710, and the church was consecrated for worship on November 24, 1711, by Bartolomeo Castelli, the Bishop of Mazara del Vallo.
During the Spanish era, the church became a significant religious center. The Jesuits, known for their educational and missionary activities, used this church as a place where young Jesuits took their vows of loyalty to the Pope. Despite the suppression of the Jesuit order in 1767, the church continued to serve as an educational institution and later underwent various transformations, including being used as a military hospital and a civic hospital.
San Francesco Saverio's architecture is a splendid representation of the Sicilian Baroque style. The church's exterior features a central dome flanked by four smaller domes and a bell tower, creating a harmonious and balanced structure. The main dome, adorned with eight windows, symbolizes the resurrection of Jesus on the eighth day of the week. The use of geometric shapes such as squares and circles throughout the design symbolizes perfection and the meeting of the earthly and divine realms.
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The facade of San Francesco Saverio is divided into two levels. The lower level is characterized by local calcarenite stone pilasters and white spaces housing four niches, which were originally intended to hold statues of Jesuit saints but remain empty. The central portal, dating back to the 18th century, is flanked by twisted columns supporting volutes, with a depiction of Saint Francis Xavier holding a lily and an open heart, crowned by two cherubs. Below the saint's bust, a crab holding a cross is depicted, referencing a legend where Saint Francis Xavier lost his crucifix in a river, only for it to be returned by a crab.
The upper level of the facade features a central section with two columns supporting a tympanum. Inside the tympanum, a marble cartouche bears the inscription Dedi te in lucem gentium (I have made you a light for the nations), extending the reference to Jesus Christ to include Saint Francis Xavier, honoring his missionary work.
Stepping inside San Francesco Saverio, visitors are greeted by a Greek cross layout with six smaller chapels arranged within hexagonal spaces separated by Doric columns made from Billiemi stone. The 24 columns symbolize the 12 tribes of the Old Testament and the 12 apostles of the New Testament, as well as the 24 elders of the Apocalypse.
The church's interior is adorned with a series of frescoes by Tommaso Maria Sciacca, adding to the rich artistic ambiance. The right semicircle features the Chapel of Saint Rosalia, dedicated to Palermo's patron saint, and the Chapel of Saint Francis Xavier, housing a painting attributed to Pietro Novelli and marble reliefs by the Pennino brothers.
The left semicircle includes the Chapel of Saint Calcedonius, featuring a painting by Gaspare Serenari, and the Chapel of the Holy Family, showcasing a 17th-century novellesque-style painting. The Chapel of the Holy Crucifix, with an 18th-century wooden crucifix set in a Rococo-style reliquary, completes the left semicircle.
The presbytery of San Francesco Saverio is a masterpiece of Baroque decoration. The main altar, created by Marino Tarsia in 1735, represents the glory of the Lamb and the symbols of the four Evangelists. Above the altar, a painting of the Annunciation of the Virgin adds to the spiritual atmosphere. The church's decoration includes marble, stucco, frescoes, paintings, and glass pastes, all typical of Sicilian Baroque style.
In 1993, the church was further enriched with the addition of the 15 stations of the Via Crucis, designed by Luigi Badagliacco and created by 15 contemporary artists from Italy and abroad.
San Francesco Saverio is more than just a church; it is a journey through time, reflecting the religious, cultural, and artistic evolution of Palermo. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, a visit to San Francesco Saverio offers a unique and enriching experience, inviting you to explore the profound beauty and heritage of this magnificent Sicilian Baroque masterpiece.
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