Via Crociferi

Via Crociferi is one of the oldest Catania streets in the heart of the city, it starts in Piazza San Francesco D’Assisi (crossing Via Vittorio Emanuele II) through the famous St. Benedict triumphal arch.

It is so beautiful that seems to be a perfect open-air stage. Infact it has been chosen as location of “Il bell’Antonio” by Bolognini, “Storia di una capinera” by Zeffirelli, “I Vicerè” by Faenza and many more other movies.

This street is considered the symbol of Baroque in Catania, because there are some of the most beautiful eighteenth-century churches of the city.

Walking on the street, the first church you encounter is the Church of St. Benedict and the connected namesake monastery. It’s said that from the balcony of the monastery, hidden by the grating, the nuns and Catania aristocratic women watched the procession during the celebration of St. Agatha.

Continuing a few meters down via Crociferi you can see the Church of St. Francesco Borgia, with two large stone staircases.  Not far away is the Jesuit College, that was the Catania Art Institute for many years, with its cloister, the arches and lava stone columns. Unfortunately it’s temporarily closed to the public.

Just in front of the Jesuit College there is the Church of San Giuliano attributed to the work of the architect Vaccarini.  After you crosses the slope of Sangiuliano that it is spanned by via Crociferi, you can see the Crociferi’s convent with adjoining the Church of St. Camillus, it’s famous for the “Madonna and Child” on the wooden table, kept inside, perhaps dates back to Byzantine era.

Down the street is Villa Cerami, that’s one of the most prestigious Catania eighteenth century palace, now it houses the Faculty of Law of the Catania University.