Chiesa dell’Itria

The basics

Often missed by visitors, this church is an easy stop on the way to the Bastione di Capo Marchiafava to take in the sunset views. You can visit as part of a Cefalù walking tour that also includes highlights like the Cefalù Cathedral and cloisters, Rocca di Cefalù, and Lavatoio Medievale, or pop in on your own. A visit to the church is also easily paired with a boat tour along the Cefalù coast or an excursion inland to visit Parco delle Madonie or the wineries in northern Sicily.

Things to know before you go

• The Chiesa dell’Itria is an active place of worship, so wear clothing covering shoulders and knees and be respectful of any religious services.
• Highlights of the otherwise modest space are the ornate altars.
• Photography is allowed inside.
• There is one low step at the church entrance that may be difficult to manage with a wheelchair or stroller.

How to get there

The Chiesa dell’Itria sits along the Bastione di Capo Marchiafava on Cefalù’s northernmost tip, and is within easy walking distance of the cathedral and other local sights. Cefalù is connected to the major Sicilian cities by train; the station is about a 10-minute walk south of the old town.

When to get there

Opening hours are somewhat sporadic—generally, the church is open from the early morning to the early evening, with a short closure during the midday lunch hour. Stop by before continuing on to the adjacent Bastione di Capo Marchiafava overlook at sunset.

Visiting Cefalù’s historic churches

Cefalù is thick with small, historic churches, but opening hours can be unpredictable, so visiting is tricky. The Cefalù Cathedral—the most important and striking church in the city—is the exception, with regular hours from morning to early evening (with a two-hour lunch closure). The Chiesa dell’Itria and other landmark churches like the Chiesa del Purgatorio and Chiesa di Maria Santissima della Catena have less regular hours, so may take some perseverance to visit.