San Carlo al Corso Church, Noto, Italy

The Carlo al Corso church replaced an earlier church. This church likely designed by Rosario Gagliardi, was part of the town reconstruction after the 1693 Sicily earthquake.

The concave façade has three superimposed orders of columns, identified by their capitals from base to roofline as Doric, Ionic and Corinthian; in the progression expected in classical construction. The third story has floral oculus. The interior has a longitudinal layout with a barrel vault sustained by pilasters. The main altar was rescued from the prior church.

Inside the church, the 18th-century altarpieces display a Sacrifice of Isaac; a Flight into Egypt; a Deposition; San Carlo Borromeo ministering to those ill with the plague; a Virgin and Child with saints; Biblical Scene; St Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Jesuit order; and wood icon of St Aloyitius Gonzaga, another Jesuit saint. The main altar is flanked by marble statues symbolizing Faith and Hope respectively, sculpted by Giuseppe Giuliano. The nave ceiling is frescoed by Costantino Carasi, depicting the Transfiguration and the Healing of the Paralytic, with a central panel depicting the Triumph of the Agnus Dei. The spandrels that support the dome are frescoed with the evangelists, and just below are four allegorical statues depicting the respective cardinal virtues.

References:

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Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

Honza Roll (5 months ago)
Be sure to invest a few euros and climb the church tower. Especially at sunset you will have a wonderful view of the historic city center illuminated by the golden sun. It's worth it! Visiting the church itself is free.

Ant Wirjo (9 months ago)
2.5 euros gets you entry to go up the spiral staircase to get panoramic views over Noto. Be warned the staircase is extremely narrow and can get claustrophobic!

AC (2 years ago)
Stunning on entry to Noto. It is the first major monument and looks even more stunning from the rooftop of the San Carlos church

João Moreira (2 years ago)
The church itself is quite bare but the highlight is the view from the rooftop - absolutely worth the €2 price of admission. Just make sure you do not have reduced mobility, the spiral staircase is an adventure in itself and is only for those who are fit and comfortable with tight spaces

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San Carlo al Corso Church

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