Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (Saints Peter and Paul Church), Palermo
The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Palermo stands as a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, a testament to the genius of Giacomo Serpotta and Domenico Castelli. Not only did these architects design the structure, but they also crafted the exquisite stuccoes that adorn the interior.
The fa莽ade of the church is notable for its three-pointed arch entrances, reflecting a Romanesque style that complements the Renaissance aesthetics of the overall building. Inside, the church houses an array of art masterpieces. The central altar, along with the side altars, showcases the work of painter G. La Manna. These paintings include depictions of religious figures such as Saint Peter, Jesus, Saint Paul, and a series of prophets and saints that contribute to the rich iconographic theme of the church.
In terms of specific altars, the left altar is dedicated to Saint Benedict of Norcia, surrounded by other Sicilian saints, while the right altar venerates Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso, topped with figures of Sant'Anna, San Gioacchino, Giovanni Battista, Sant'Alisabetta, and San Giuseppe. The church鈥檚 side aisles also feature significant artworks; the left side aisle includes an altar dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and is adorned with a plaster statue and a poignant wooden statue of Maria Santissima Addolorata. Above the confessional, the oil painting 鈥淭he Massacre of the Innocents,鈥� dated 1880, adds a historical depth to the collection.
The right side aisle contains chapels dedicated to Santa Teresa del Bambin Ges霉 and Saint Joseph, with an oil painting of Saint Joseph offering a focal point of devotion. The central entrance of the church is distinguished by a stained glass window, flanked by icons of San Mauro, San Placido, Saint Geltrude of Nivelles, and Saint Scholastica鈥攁ll figures from the Benedictine order鈥攁nd highlighted by the central figures of archangels Michael and Gabriel.
From 1880 to 1940, this church served as the chapel for the adjacent Benedictine monastery. In 1941, as the number of nuns dwindled, the monastery was ceded to the archdiocese, transitioning the church into a parish. This change marked a new chapter in its history, broadening its role in the community of Palermo.
The fa莽ade of the church is notable for its three-pointed arch entrances, reflecting a Romanesque style that complements the Renaissance aesthetics of the overall building. Inside, the church houses an array of art masterpieces. The central altar, along with the side altars, showcases the work of painter G. La Manna. These paintings include depictions of religious figures such as Saint Peter, Jesus, Saint Paul, and a series of prophets and saints that contribute to the rich iconographic theme of the church.
In terms of specific altars, the left altar is dedicated to Saint Benedict of Norcia, surrounded by other Sicilian saints, while the right altar venerates Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso, topped with figures of Sant'Anna, San Gioacchino, Giovanni Battista, Sant'Alisabetta, and San Giuseppe. The church鈥檚 side aisles also feature significant artworks; the left side aisle includes an altar dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and is adorned with a plaster statue and a poignant wooden statue of Maria Santissima Addolorata. Above the confessional, the oil painting 鈥淭he Massacre of the Innocents,鈥� dated 1880, adds a historical depth to the collection.
The right side aisle contains chapels dedicated to Santa Teresa del Bambin Ges霉 and Saint Joseph, with an oil painting of Saint Joseph offering a focal point of devotion. The central entrance of the church is distinguished by a stained glass window, flanked by icons of San Mauro, San Placido, Saint Geltrude of Nivelles, and Saint Scholastica鈥攁ll figures from the Benedictine order鈥攁nd highlighted by the central figures of archangels Michael and Gabriel.
From 1880 to 1940, this church served as the chapel for the adjacent Benedictine monastery. In 1941, as the number of nuns dwindled, the monastery was ceded to the archdiocese, transitioning the church into a parish. This change marked a new chapter in its history, broadening its role in the community of Palermo.
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Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (Saints Peter and Paul Church) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa dei Santi Pietro e Paolo (Saints Peter and Paul 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
Creating your own self-guided walk in Palermo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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
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