Chiesa Anglicana (Anglican Church), Palermo
The Anglican Church in Palermo, officially known as The Church of the Holy Cross, stands as a historical and architectural landmark along Rome Street (Via Roma). Built in the 1870s during a period when Sicily was under the British Protectorate, the church reflects the era's influx of British entrepreneurs to the island, notably Joseph Whitaker and his cousin Benjamin Ingham Jr., who were instrumental in its construction.
The church was conceived as a result of substantial contributions from these two English entrepreneurs. Benjamin Ingham Jr. not only funded the project but also donated the land for the church, strategically located opposite the then Ingham palace, now the Grand Hotel et des Palmes. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1872, and Joseph Whitaker assumed responsibility for continuing the construction, which began that same year and concluded in 1875.
Architects William Barber and Henry Christian, the latter being Whitaker鈥檚 son-in-law, designed the church. Their architectural vision produced a structure typical of Anglican churches of that time, marked by a significant central rose window and a slender, pointed bell tower. The church's base follows a straightforward rectangular plan, and its fa莽ades are characterized by minimal decoration, featuring only modest skylights.
In 1903, a notable addition was made with the installation of an organ built by T.W. Walker & Sons of London, which was directly shipped from the UK. This organ was later rebuilt in 2003 during its centenary celebration.
Throughout its history, The Church of the Holy Cross has served various roles, including being utilized by the U.S. Forces during World War II. Since 1962, it has been part of the Diocese of Gibraltar and is currently under the Diocese of Europe, maintaining its allegiance to the Anglican Church of England. This church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a beacon of British influence and architectural style in Sicily.
The church was conceived as a result of substantial contributions from these two English entrepreneurs. Benjamin Ingham Jr. not only funded the project but also donated the land for the church, strategically located opposite the then Ingham palace, now the Grand Hotel et des Palmes. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1872, and Joseph Whitaker assumed responsibility for continuing the construction, which began that same year and concluded in 1875.
Architects William Barber and Henry Christian, the latter being Whitaker鈥檚 son-in-law, designed the church. Their architectural vision produced a structure typical of Anglican churches of that time, marked by a significant central rose window and a slender, pointed bell tower. The church's base follows a straightforward rectangular plan, and its fa莽ades are characterized by minimal decoration, featuring only modest skylights.
In 1903, a notable addition was made with the installation of an organ built by T.W. Walker & Sons of London, which was directly shipped from the UK. This organ was later rebuilt in 2003 during its centenary celebration.
Throughout its history, The Church of the Holy Cross has served various roles, including being utilized by the U.S. Forces during World War II. Since 1962, it has been part of the Diocese of Gibraltar and is currently under the Diocese of Europe, maintaining its allegiance to the Anglican Church of England. This church not only serves as a place of worship but also as a beacon of British influence and architectural style in Sicily.
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Chiesa Anglicana (Anglican Church) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa Anglicana (Anglican Church)
Sight Location: Palermo, Italy (See walking tours in Palermo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Palermo, Italy (See walking tours in Palermo)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Palermo, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Palermo
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Palermo Introduction Walking Tour
Around 8,000 BC, people called Sicani drew pictures in a cave outside Palermo. The scene shows a ritual sacrifice in the theatre. Was it a paleolithic foreshadowing of the temples, churches, and cathedrals to come?
The Sicani were succeeded by the Phoenicians. They made a settlement called Ziz which eventually became Palermo. But first, the Greeks, followed by the Carthaginians, followed by the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
The Sicani were succeeded by the Phoenicians. They made a settlement called Ziz which eventually became Palermo. But first, the Greeks, followed by the Carthaginians, followed by the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Palaces of Palermo
For centuries, Sicilian capital Palermo has been a focal point for the construction of noble dwellings and palaces. The latter were and still are a fine manifestation of the historical life in the region. They are a few hundred of them still in place, ranging chronologically from the medieval period to the first decades of the 20th century, and comprising an impressive collection of architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Historical Religious Buildings
Religion has always played an important role in the lives of the Italians 鈥� and the Sicilians are no exception. Thus, it is little wonder that the main city of the island, Palermo, boasts a plethora of religious buildings. The collection of historical churches found here ranges from the Arab-Norman-Byzantine to the Medieval, Gothic, Baroque and the Renaissance.
In the course of history, many... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles
In the course of history, many... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles