category of places

Church of Jesus of Casa Professa

About

The Church of Jesus, known as Casa Professa, is one of Palermo’s most magnificent expressions of Sicilian Baroque art, a place where architecture and spirituality merge in breathtaking harmony. Built by the Jesuits between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, the church presents a sober exterior that contrasts dramatically with its dazzling interior. Inside, visitors are enveloped by an explosion of polychrome marble inlays, swirling stuccoes and intricate sculptural details that transform every surface into a work of devotion. The soaring nave and richly decorated chapels reflect the Jesuit mission to inspire awe through beauty, while masterpieces by local artists highlight the flourishing artistic culture of the period. Despite damage suffered during World War II, meticulous restoration has preserved its splendour, allowing the Casa Professa to remain a cornerstone of Palermo’s religious heritage. It stands today as a testament to craftsmanship, faith and the city’s enduring artistic identity.

Palermo Italy

Location

Church of Jesus at Casa Professa is located in Palermo's historic Albergheria district at Piazza Casa Professa 21, anchoring the southern edge of the vibrant Ballarò Market. This Baroque masterpiece rises amid narrow medieval lanes, steps from the ancient Chiesa del Carmine and Oratorio di San Lorenzo with its stucco artistry by Giacomo Serpotta. Nearby, Palazzo Chiaramonte-Steri overlooks Piazza Marina a short walk east, while Via Maqueda's upscale stretch and the Quattro Canti junction connect north to Teatro Massimo, blending opulent Jesuit architecture with Palermo's bustling street life and UNESCO sites.

Church of Jesus of Casa Professa

User attributes