Church of Santissimo Salvatore

With a name like Santissimo Salvatore, you can already expect grandeur—and the church more than delivers. Built from 1682 on the site of a former 11th-century Benedictine convent, it is one of Palermo’s finest examples of Sicilian Baroque.

Designed by Angelo Italia together with Paolo and Giuseppe Amato, the building immediately impresses with its unusual oval layout and its lavish decoration in colorful marble. Above it all rises the great dome, crowned with a panoramic terrace. For a small fee, you can climb up and enjoy one of the best views of Palermo, stretching from the rooftops of the old town to the surrounding mountains and the sea. Inside, the space feels like a stage set, with theatrical perspectives, stucco details, and dazzling baroque effects that overwhelm the senses.

The church has also lived through dramatic times: it was badly damaged during the earthquake and bombings of 1943, then closed for decades before finally reopening to the public in 2008. Today, it mainly hosts exhibitions and cultural events, yet it still radiates a mystical aura. For its atmosphere, its history, and its incredible views, Santissimo Salvatore is a true highlight of Palermo.