The Church of Purgatory

Walking through the narrow and characteristic alleys of Cefalù, you may find yourself admiring the Church of Purgatory, also called Church of Santo Stefano.

The building overlooks a small square along Corso Ruggero, just a few steps from our accomodation. The church stands in an area previously occupied by houses, the church of S. Stefano and the chapel of S. Margherita, founded in 1466. That’s why the church is also known as the church of St. Stefano. Over the years, the building was entrusted to several brotherhoods. In 1596, instead, the church of the Purgatory was built, whose facade was completed only in 1668, while the interiors were completed around 800. The facade is characterized by a portal in baroque style and a double staircase, while the interior is divided into three naves separated by monolithic columns. In the basement there is a crypt with the bodies of those assigned to the Confraternita deuNeri, the Brotherhood that ordered its construction and arrangement. A church, small, simple and hidden, but rich in history and so much to discover!