Chiesa e Monastero di Santa Caterina d'Alessandria

We visited the Church and Monastery of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria in the heart of Palermo. It was truly a revelation. From the outside, it looks almost unassuming, but step inside and you’re greeted by an extraordinary Baroque interior overflowing with stucco, marble, and gilded ornamentation. The sheer level of detail is breathtaking. It’s one of those places where your eyes don’t know where to rest first. The adjoining monastery offers a quieter, more reflective experience. It’s easy to imagine the cloistered life the nuns once lived here, moving between the peaceful courtyards and the elegant corridors. One of the highlights is climbing up to the terrace, which offers a panoramic view of Palermo. A host of rooftops, domes, and the mountains beyond. It’s one of the best viewpoints in the city. This visit was one of our favorites in Palermo — a blend of art, history, and tranquility in the middle of the city’s vibrant chaos. Take time to explore both the church and the monastery. The terrace view and the pastries alone are worth the modest entry fee.

Small church (undergoing restoration s of September 2025) but still worth the visit. We bought the more expensive ticket (10€) to go to the church, monastery and on to the roof. This was worth it for the city views as we couldn’t access the main cathedral roof due to a Sunday service was ongoing. The bakery has many sweet treats and they are big and tasty. Of course you pay for the cannoli by weight so the big ones cost more!

The monastery of Santa Caterina is the perfect option to start your day in palermo. There is garden with free access where you will find the bakery with the famous canoli and other local sweets. Apart from the garden you can get in the church, which I totally recommend and also go to the top of the church for the beautiful panoramic view of the city.

Incredible church! Very unique!! The marble inlays are incredible. Also, there was a pass-through turnstile for the nuns to provide things into the church.

so beautiful place 🤍 we took tickets to see Church, Monastery and rooftop, really beautiful and peaceful place. Good to see, and very tasty patisserie cafeteria inside after the tour 😜

Currently under construction, both from the inside and outside. Therefore you don't get to see it's entire beauty for 3€. If you buy the ticket for 8€ you can also visit the monastery. The garden inside is really beautiful!

For me the view from the roof was great. The stewards in the church and monastery were helpful and polite. I wish I could say the same about the ladies serving behind the counter at the bakery. Perhaps it’s too busy. Other than the physical location at the monastery I found the bakery touristic. To buy pastries I would personally recommend to try and find a more genuine bakery. The small garden in the courtyard is lovely, though.

Great baroque church with 3€ entrance per person. It's still accessible except the altar area, which is covered with a high green fence. All of the paintings and decorations are available together with the fake remains of the Saint.