San Francesco Borgia (Church of Saint Francis Borgia), Catania

The Church of Saint Francis Borgia in Catania is a former Jesuit church now repurposed as a cultural venue under the administration of the Regional Superintendence of Cultural Heritage. Located adjacent to the Collegio Gesuita and parallel to the Church of San Benedetto, this deconsecrated church is notable for its Jesuit heritage and the preservation of much of its original artwork.

The church’s facade exemplifies classical design, adorned with five statues of Jesuit saints. Central to this arrangement is a statue of the titular Saint Francis Borgia positioned above the portal. Flanking him are Ignatius Loyola and Francis Xavier on the lower level, with Aloysius Gonzaga and Stanislaus Kostka depicted on the upper tier. This sculptural ensemble underscores the Jesuit influence on the church's identity.

The church's Latin cross layout features a central nave and two aisles lined with chapels. Completed in 1740, its interior boasts frescoes, altarpieces, and sculptures. Highlights include the first altar on the right, depicting the Vision of Madonna and Child to San Giovanni Francesco Regis; the second altar, showing Saints Stanislaus Kostka and Aloysius Gonzaga; and the main altar, adorned with polychrome marble and sculptures by Giovanni Battista Marino. At its center is a 1567 copy of the Madonna of the Snow (Madonna della Neve), gifted by Saint Francis Borgia.

The dome’s base is adorned with statues of the four Evangelists, complementing frescoes that celebrate the Triumph of Saint Ignatius and the Jesuits over heresy. The apse features trompe-l'œil painted curtains, adding to the grandeur of the space. On the left altars, notable artworks include depictions of Saint Agatha visited in jail and the Glory of Saint Joseph, further enriching the church's artistic legacy.

Although no longer serving as a place of worship, the Church of Saint Francis Borgia remains an important cultural and historical landmark in Catania, hosting exhibits and events that continue to draw attention to its artistic and architectural significance.