Palermo - Santissima Trinità

Via Magione goes off to the left behind the Palazzo Aiutamicristo and leads to the Piaza Magione. In a garden studded with palm trees stands the Chiesa La Magione, also known as Santissima Trinità, a noble Norman church. It belonged to an offshoot of the Cistercians of Santo Spirito, first mentioned in 1191 and dedicated to the Holy Trinity and which Emperor Henry VI bequeathed to the Teutonic Order; this led to its being named La Magione or "religious abode".

About 1800 it was given a Classical front, but this was discarded in favor of the original style when the building was restored in 1920-24. The church was completely rebuilt following heavy damage in the Second World War. Façade

In the façade are three doorways made of smooth stone blocks brought back from the Orient during the Crusades. Above them are blind arcades of ogee arches extending round the other sides. The three aisles of the interior are separated by pillars under pointed arches supported on stilts.

Cloister

Near the church to the left will be found the north wing of the cloister with its double pillars and 12th century arcades of ogee arches. The other wings no longer exist.