Church of Santo Stefano in Piazza Armerina
The Church of Santo Stefano in Piazza Armerina is located just outside the city walls, near the Porta San Giovanni.
It was built between 1500 and 1600, when the cult of Santo Stefano spread to Piazza Armerina. The church stands next to the site of an ancient oratory dedicated to Santo Stefano where the simulacrum of the saint was kept. In 1660 the church was enlarged, the facade was rebuilt and the bell tower was built.
The facade, in sandstone ashlars, is enriched by fine Baroque decorations. The church has a beautiful bell tower made with finely worked stones and a high openwork attic.
The interior of the church houses numerous frescoes and gold sculptures of considerable artistic value. There are also two magnificent chapels dating back to the 18th century dedicated to San Gregorio Magno and the Crucifix.
