Church of Saint Agatha at the College

2 Minutes of reading

The 17th-century Jesuit church of Sant’Agata al Collegio stands at the end of Corso Umberto, like an imposing theatrical backdrop.

Chiesa di Sant'Agata al Collegio

The arrival of the Jesuits in Caltanissetta was desired, at the end of the 16th century, by Lady Luisa Moncada and her son Francesco II, in order to elevate the cultural level of the city. The large complex occupies an entire block and consists of the church dedicated to Saint Agatha and the adjacent college. 

Construction began in 1588, based on a design by Jesuit architect Alfio Vinci, later replaced by architect Natale Masucci. The church, in particular, was completed in 1628.

The three-level façade features an elegant entrance portal flanked by two Corinthian columns, above which stands a broken curved pediment and a shield with two cherubs, sculpted by Ignazio Marabitti. The interior has a square plan: four pillars form a central Greek cross, complemented by four side chapels. In 1647, the Serpotta brothers created the stucco decorations.
 

The altar of Saint Ignatius is especially noteworthy, showcasing a sumptuous relief altarpiece portraying Saint Ignatius in a moment of ecstasy as he receives the rule for the Society of Jesus from God.

In the lower section, the four known continents of the time are represented: Africa with a lion, Asia with a dromedary, Europe with the papal crown, and America with a quiver of arrows. Oceania is missing, as it had not yet been discovered. The entire altar is adorned with inlays of marble and precious stones; the altar frontal, unique in its kind, depicts a variety of exotic birds.

The first chapel on the left as you enter is dedicated to Saint Anne, with frescoes by Luigi Borremans; on the right is the Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, featuring a beautiful altar frontal made of precious stones. The main altar, dedicated to Saint Agatha, is surmounted by a large painting by Agostino Scilla depicting the martyrdom of the saint from Catania. On either side of the presbytery are two paintings by Vincenzo Roggeri.

You might also be interested in...