Built directly against the Capo Marchiafava bastion in Piazza Crispi, the Church of Itria in Cefalù is the result of joining two adjacent historic places of worship into a single parish.
What to see
The present building unites what were originally two distinct structures: the Church of San Giovanni Evangelista and the Church of Santa Maria dell'Odigitria. The Church of San Giovanni Evangelista dates back to the 16th century and is cited in notary records from 1509 and 1535 relating to its confraternity. The second building was initially a chapel dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel. After it was handed over to Bishop Ottaviano Preconio, who established the Confraternity of Santa Maria dell'Itria (also known as St. Nicholas of Tolentino), the chapel was expanded into a church and oratory. In 1961, the two neighboring structures were merged into one parish, resulting in the creation of connecting interior arches and a single unified exterior facade.
Our editors' tip
Take note of how the church structure attaches directly to the historic Capo Marchiafava bastion on Piazza Crispi.