Church of Saint Ferdinand the King
Discover the majestic Church of San Ferdinando Re, a historic jewel in the heart of Ustica. Its ancient walls tell centuries of island faith and culture dating back to 1777.
Description
In the historic center of Ustica, at the heart of the main square, Piazza Vito Longo, the Church of San Ferdinando Re is the primary place of worship for the town on the island of the same name, off the coast of Palermo. The Church of San Ferdinando Re plays a very important role in Ustica, not only from a religious standpoint but also for tourism. In fact, the church is not only an elegant architectural work, likely one of the most imposing in the municipality, but it also preserves a wonderful chapter of local history.
History
The Church of San Ferdinando Re has a rich history, having been built in 1763 and completed in 1777. The first document mentioning this building dates back to 1761, when the Bourbon government approved the architectural plan for its construction. Before that, Ustica had a small parish church called Santa Maria dei Sette Dolori, an ancient place of worship dating back to the 12th century. The church remained in use until 1777, that is until 2010, when construction of the new building was completed.
Access procedure
The Church of San Ferdinando Re is located in the heart of Ustica’s town center, making it easily accessible from anywhere on the island. Ustica itself is an island north of Palermo, and you can reach it from Palermo’s port by catamaran or hydrofoil. During the summer, with the increased influx of tourists heading to Ustica, more frequent trips are scheduled, including ferry services, to make it easier for all visitors to get there. Therefore, to reach Ustica, you’ll first need to make your way to Palermo. Palermo is a well-connected city, boasting links to all of Sicily and beyond, thanks to the A19 motorway, several railway stations within the regional capital, and Falcone and Borsellino Airport.
Information
Address
Parish of Saint Ferdinand King, Ustica, PA, Italy
Who is it intended for?
Position
Map of points of interest
Explore all points of interest on an interactive map and plan your sightseeing route