[Sicily, Italy] The first Jesuit church in Sicily

The first Jesuit church in Sicily, located in the old town of Palermo, was founded in 1564. Contrary to the simplicity of the exterior, once inside, you'll find a parade of Sicilian Baroque! The ceiling frescoes, marble carvings, stucco work, and gorgeous decorations that will take your breath away are impressive. The Church of the Gesu suffered devastating damage from a bombing on May 9, 1943 during World War II. The ceiling of the chapel is said to have almost completely collapsed, so the post-war restoration must have been quite difficult. This church clearly shows the wealth and power of the Jesuits, but it's definitely worth a look. #Free hotel stay