Collegio dei Gesuiti

Since 2002 it is recognized "World Heritage" by UNESCO. The great eighteenth-century Palace was the most beautiful building of the Society of Jesus in Sicily. The statement is in Sicilian Baroque style and is reached by a staircase. It has four courtyards, including a cloister with portico surmounted by columns. The floor of the courtyard is cobbled blacks and whites, arranged in stripes. Among the various figures who have made their contribution to the work stand out some well-known names in the local historians and others as the sculptor GB Marino with the role of architect. The first information on the reconstruction of the College date back to 1698. The works of the founding of the church oversees, around 1701, Alonzo di Benedetto. The plant of the church corresponds to that project, which included the aisles inscribed in a rectangle. The design of the facade is attributed to the architect Angelo Italia. In 1713 work began on the demolition of the old walls and leveling to set the pillars of the Chapel of the church. At the beginning of 1745 to Alonzo di Benedetto follows the direction of the architect Stefano Battaglia. Probably is his work drawing the second order of the porch. The news related to the completion of the College stop to 1757.