Chiesa del Purgatorio in the historic center of Cefalù

In the heart of the historic center of Cefalù, between the quiet alleys and the authentic atmosphere, there is one of the most fascinating and less known places in the city: Chiesa del Purgatorio, also known as the Church of Santo Stefano.

Located along Corso Ruggero, this church stands on an area that once housed ancient houses and the pre-existing churches of S. Stefano and S. Margherita, the latter founded in 1466. The current building was built in 1596 by order of the Brotherhood of Blacks, but the facade was completed only in 1668, while the interior was finished in the nineteenth century.

The facade is an elegant example of Sicilian baroque, with an imposing portal and a double scenographic staircase that leads into the interior, where three aisles punctuated by monolithic columns preserve an atmosphere of recollection. In the basement there is also a crypt, where members of the founding brotherhood were buried.

Despite its small size, the Church of Purgatory has a centuries-old history and represents a corner of spirituality and beauty hidden among the ancient stones of the city. A perfect place to discover during a walk among the artistic treasures of Cefalù.