Chiesa di San Francesco d’Assisi

The story

The basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, in the heart of the Kalsa, was built in the 13th century by the Franciscans and keeps a Gothic doorway of 1302, with a spoked rose window above it.

Over the centuries the noble families of the quarter added chapels: the nave holds work by 15th-century sculptors, among them the Gagini, and stucco by Giacomo Serpotta in the chapel of the Immacolata.

The bombing of 1943 hit it hard; the post-war restoration chose to take it back to its medieval form, removing some of the baroque overlay.

Why it is worth it

The façade is severe, almost a fortress, and the Gothic doorway makes you slow down. Inside the space is wide and pale, and the contrast with Serpotta’s bright white stucco is the whole point of the visit. Coming out, the square in front has the old workshops and one of the city’s historic focaccerie.