The Church of St Francis was built in 1610 and extended in 1643; the prevailing style is Baroque. The façade is characterised by a portal framed by two tall pilasters on either side of an inlaid doorway. The bell tower features a central loggia with three bells. The church has three naves, the apse depicts the Blessing Christ between angels, overlooking the niche with the statue of the Immaculate Virgin. Above the entrance door, the wooden chancel decorated with stuccoes houses a large organ. Located in the Turbe district, which developed in the 16th century in the upper part of the city, it was isolated and in difficult conditions. The name comes from the word 'turbolenza', also caused by the ringing of the Capuchin bell in the 1600s. The archbishop and the praetor moved needy families here to reduce the noise around the cathedral. In the 18th century, Archbishop Testa had a fountain built to alleviate the water shortage, now replaced by a votive shrine in Via Miceli.
Credits: Arch. Paola La Scala
