Chiesa di San Domenico

The story

The present church was rebuilt from 1640 to a design by Andrea Cirrincione, on the site of two older Dominican churches; the twin-towered facade was completed in 1726. In front, the column of the Immaculate Conception of 1727 closes the square.

Since the 19th century San Domenico has been the “Pantheon of illustrious Sicilians”: here rest Francesco Crispi, Ruggero Settimo, the poet Giovanni Meli and many other figures of the island’s history. In 2015 the tomb of Giovanni Falcone was moved here.

Beside the church open the 14th-century cloister and the Oratorio del Rosario in San Domenico, with stucco by Giacomo Serpotta and an altarpiece by Van Dyck.

Why it is worth it

The nave is wide and bright, and as you walk it you read on the monuments the names that made modern Sicily. Falcone’s tomb, a simple one, is in the right aisle, and those who visit it do so in silence. Step out into the square and sit at the café facing the facade: it is one of the finest views in the old city.