The church now functions as a rectory church within the Parish of San Cataldo.[1]
History
The church stands near Porta Spada, with a small front garden enclosed to the south by a wall; it adjoins the boundary wall of the former Church of Sant’Antonio Abate. Its façade has a 15th-century yellow-tuff portal and, above, a bell-cell with twin openings.[2][3]
Built in 1413 by the priest Michele Lombardo and dedicated to Sant’Orsola, it was enlarged in 1450 at the behest of a nephew and namesake of the founder, adding a second nave dedicated to Santa Maria di Gesù. In 1451 the Confraternity of Sant’Orsola was aggregated to the church under the title of the “Disciplina.”[2] Historically the church housed the groups of the Misteri (18th-century sculptural scenes of the Passion) carried in procession on Good Friday; due to safety issues the procession now starts from San Giuliano. [3][4]
Architecture
The interior has two aisles corresponding to the two building phases. The naves are separated by three arches on cylindrical supports, combining round and pointed profiles; the floor preserves sixteenth-century maiolica tiling.[3] In the left (later) aisle, the main chapel is covered by an angular-niche dome; the marble image of the Madonna and Child formerly housed here was disfigured in 1956 and is now preserved at the Matrice.[3]
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