The Church of the Gesù (Jesus), annexed to the ancient College, was built starting in 1571 to house the Jesuit Fathers, who were particularly active in the city of Caltagirone where they established a prestigious university.
The church has undergone various reconstruction interventions due to the earthquakes of 1693 and 1908 and the events of the Second World War. The façade is characterized by niches containing statues of Jesuit saints, with sculptures of the Madonna, St. Joseph, and Sts Peter and Paul at the top.
The church features a rich Baroque altar dedicated to St. Ignatius of Loyola, supported by twisted marble columns.
There is also a side altar that houses a Deposition from the Cross on canvas by Filippo Paladini, featuring St. James among other characters. Additionally, there is a painting of Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major), which was a gift to the city from St. Francis Borgia, Superior General of the Society of Jesus who granted the construction of the College.
Finally, there is a wooden pulpit intended for preaching for the community.
