Angelo Italia

Angelo Italia (1628-1700), a Jesuit and architect, was a key figure in Sicilian Baroque. His background is not entirely clear, but as a stonemason in Licata, he likely began as a carver. In 1671, he joined the Jesuits and primarily worked for the order. In Messina, the influence of Guarino Guarini shaped him. Although undocumented, a possible stay in Rome explains his knowledge of Borromini and others. In Palermo, he designed the Casa di terza probazione and the Church of San Francesco Saverio. He moved for Jesuit projects and worked for the Prince of Butera in Mazzarino. After the earthquake of 1693, he contributed to the reconstruction of Avola and Noto and worked on architecture throughout eastern Sicily, with works also in Catania and Syracuse. Stylistically akin to Guarini, he experimented with the central plan, adopting hexagonal forms, as seen in the Chapel of the Crucifix in Monreale and the Church of San Francesco Saverio in Palermo, with adjacent hexagonal chapels to the octagonal design.