Oratorio dei Bianchi

About the museum

The Oratorio dei Bianchi, in the Kalsa district, was founded in 1542 by the company of the same name, made up of clerics and gentlemen, which took its nickname from the colour of the robes they wore. The members assisted and comforted those condemned to death in the days before their execution, urging them to confess and repent.

The building stands on the remains of the church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, rebuilt by Matteo Carnilivari at the end of the 15th century on the site of one of the gates of the ancient Arab citadel. After a serious fire in 1600 the complex was restored between 1681 and 1686 and enriched with an imposing portico; around 1744 the marble staircase was built. The main hall preserves frescoes by Gioacchino Mercurio and monochrome decorations by Benedetto Cotardi.

In 1987 the Assessorato regionale ai Beni culturali (Regional Department for Cultural Heritage) bought the entire complex, assigning it to the Galleria regionale di Palazzo Abatellis. Today the oratory is used for exhibitions and to show the public the restoration phases of works from the Gallery.

Highlights

• Main hall with frescoes by Gioacchino Mercurio
• Marble staircase of 1744
• Meeting hall (Salone delle riunioni) with decorations by Gaspare Fumagalli
• 17th-century portico
• Restoration of works from the Regional Gallery visible to the public

Operated by

Regione Siciliana – Galleria regionale della Sicilia di Palazzo Abatellis

Visitors per year

approx. 12,528

Admission & discounts

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Kids & families

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Amenities & dining

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