Parish of Santa Cristina Gela – Major Church

Small, but perfect in its delicious harmony, the Parish of Santa Cristina Gela it is one of the oldest buildings in the center of the Metropolitan City of Palermo. The building was already standing when, in 1691, a group of farmers from Piana degli Albanesi obtained the opportunity to live and work in the fiefdom of Santa Cristina.

The farmers, who spent the working season in the village, needed a building of worship in which to profess their Byzantine rite faith. In 1815, however, by virtue of the expansion of the community, which in the meantime had moved permanently to Santa Cristina Gela, the new one was built on the site of the old Church. Major Church of Santa Cristina Gela, which due to its architectural characteristics and its importance became a true symbol of the town. Subsequently, the faithful of the community began to follow the Latin rite, gradually abandoning the Byzantine rite.

Today at the Parish of Santa Cristina Gela it is possible to witness the celebration of rites according to ancient use, by virtue of the excellent relationship created between the community of origin and the community of arrival.

The architecture of the Parish of Santa Cristina Gela

The Parish of Santa Cristina Gelasi consists of a central body, flanked by bell tower slender and with a single-storey lateral body, from which, however, the clock tower.

The main facade of the Church, although small, is rich in decorations, from the wooden door framed between columns and stone entablature and surmounted by the niche of the Saint, up to the rose window with fretwork decorations of the upper order.

In the side body we find a window with a balcony, while the clock tower is surmounted by a marble balustrade. The bell tower is characterized by a cell that has two superimposed window levels.

What to do in the Parish of Santa Cristina Gela and in the surrounding area

Whoever finds himself in the small town of Santa Cristina Gela can undoubtedly start his own tour of the historic center from the Parish of Santa Cristina. Here, among works of sacred art and simple but fascinating architecture, you can also discover an interesting trait of Sicilian history, to understand how great harmony can arise from diversity.

In addition to the Parish of Santa Cristina Gela, in the center you will also find the Mother Church eighteenth century, Santa Maria de'Platea in Piazza Umberto I. The other historic buildings to visit in the center are theformer Town Hall in Piazza Polizzi, not far from the Maggiore Church of Santa Cristina, Palermo palace that is, one of the symbols of feudalism in the village and Musacchia Palace. Walking in the main square of the town, you can also admire the stone fountain.

Other surprising places in the village are the Colosseum, the Civic Museum of Santa Cristina Gela and above all the many refreshment points in the centre, from bars to food shops, to enjoy unique flavors such as those of Sicilian cheeses, bread and cannoli, to be enjoyed very fresh.

From Santa Cristina Gela you can explore the surroundings surrounded by greenery, such as the Parc delle Cascate to the Rock of Flowers, just 5 km from the center or the Piana degli Albanesi lake, where 5,5 km away you will find the small beach, the picnic area and the pier, to spend a day outdoors in total relaxation.

Among farmhouses and historical sites, from Piana degli Albanesi you can also reach the Serre della Pizzuta Oriented Nature Reserve, or head directly to Palermo, which is 23 km from the village and can be easily reached by car. Here you can walk through the streets of the centre, among wonderful churches and historic buildings, discovering enchanting places such as the Fontana Pretoria or Palazzo Sant'Elia.

How to get to the Parish of Santa Cristina Gela

We arrive in Santa Cristina Gela, in the Metropolitan City of Palermo in the car, from the A19 Palermo-Catania, taking the exit for Palermo. Those who want to arrive instead on the train, you can purchase a ticket for the Guadagna-Palermo station and then continue by bus or shuttle to the town.