Santa Maria della Catena, Palermo, Italy

Santa Maria della Catena church was built in 1490-1520 and designed by Matteo Carnilivari. The name derives from the presence, on one of the walls, of a chain (catena) which closed the Cala port.

The work mixes late Renaissance style and Gothic-Catalan style, the latter especially visible in the three-part arcaded loggia located at the top of a staircase (added in 1845). The interior is also late Gothic, and includes a canvas of Nativity with Adoration of the Shepherds (17th century) by an unknown master, and 16th-century bas-reliefs attributed to Vincenzo and Antonello Gagini, who also sculpted the capitals of the columns and the entrance portals.

Annexed to the church is a 1602 convent house, which, starting from 1844, has been the seat of the State Archive.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

Kuala Bound (15 months ago)
Built basically in Gothic Catalan style derives its name from a nearby chain blocking entrance to the harbour. Among various tombs there is also a Roman sarcophagus! P.S. Restart is a good idea not so well functioning.

Francesco Galletta (21 months ago)
In the entrance portal, the church brings together Catalan elements, such as the lowered arch, mixed with the Renaissance, such as columns with capitals. It was built on a project by Matteo Carnilivari, an important Sicilian architect, between 1490 and 1520. The whole of the facade is very characteristic thanks to the very high staircase (however redone in its current form in 1845). The interior, very rich, is in line with the exterior. Nice location next to the Cala and Kalsa square. It is often used for important weddings.

Giulio Luzzardi (2 years ago)
Well maintained and used for all ceremonies. The location is superb .

Souaibou Sané (2 years ago)
Good

Turan Kalfa (2 years ago)
So many beautiful churches in Palermo, one is more interesting than other. Must see city.

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