Sant'Eulalia dei Catalani

Sant'Eulalia dei Catalani is a deconsecrated church in Palermo, Sicily, southern Italy. Dedicated to St. Eulalia of Barcelona, it is located nearby the historical quarter of Vucciria.

View of the upper façade.

History

The church was built in the 15th century, during the Aragonese rule of Sicily, with the financial support of Catalan merchants that were working in the city. Initially it was dedicated to Virgin Mary, and only later the naming was switched to the current saint, also of Catalan origin.

The church was thoroughly rebuilt starting from 1630. The works were completed only in the 19th century. In 1823 an earthquake damaged the bell tower, which was subsequently demolished.

Description

The church has a typical Plateresque exterior, featuring rich decorations. It has three orders with columns, and a central arch with the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Spain and, below, a rhombus with the ensign of the County of Barcelona; these are flanked by four columns symbolizing the Pillars of Hercules. Finally, the upper order has four garlands with busts of Kings of Spain.

The interior is on the Greek Cross plan, with some traces of 17th century frescoes. The octagonal dome is supported by pilasters and four columns built in Hyberian marble.

The high altar is in polychrome marbles, surmounted by a panel depicting the Creation, with stars, the sun and the moon on a blue background.

Sources

• Nobile, Marco Rosario; Scaduto, Fulvia (2005–2006). "Architettura e magnificenza nella Palermo del primo Cinquecento: il prospetto denominato di Santa Eulalia dei Catalani". Espacio, Tiempo y Forma. 18–19: 13–32.