San Giorgio dei Genovesi, Palermo


The Church of Saint George of the Genoese is a Renaissance church of Palermo. It is located near the port of La Cala, in the quarter of the Loggia, within the historic centre of Palermo.

History

Before the construction of this church the Genoese community of Palermo celebrated its religious services in a chapel located in the complex of San Francesco d'Assisi. In 1576 the Genoeses bought the little church of San Luca and the surrounding land, located near the port. They demolished the old church and planned the construction of a new temple dedicated to their patron, Saint George.
The architectural project was produced by Giorgio Di Faccio with the assistance of Battista Carabbio. The construction of the church was the result of the new financial balance of power of the city. In fact, the Genoeses overtook the Pisans in the context of banking in the Kingdom of Sicily. Many rich Genoese families contributed to the construction. The church was completed in 1596.
The church hosts the burial of the famous female painter Sofonisba Anguissola.

Art

Paintings

Oil on canvas: