The Friars Minor Conventual monastic complex, constructed in the 13th century, became the seat of the Episcopal Seminary in 1911, thanks to the “ad perpetuam” transfer made by the then pro-mayor of Caltagirone, Don Luigi Sturzo.
Access is gained through a splendid cloister, partly rebuilt after the disastrous earthquake of 1693 and severely damaged by the bombings of 1943.
It retains evidence of its ancient history, with a marble washbasin dating back to the early 17th century and a Gothic portal from the 14th century topped by a carved window, both still prominently visible.
The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament Rediscovered, located next to the entrance, was constructed in the first half of the 19th century to commemorate the discovery of a pyx containing the Body of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
The pyx had been stolen a few days earlier from a church in the historic centre.
Today, in addition to the Bishop’s Seat, the complex houses the Diocesan Museum, the “Mario and Luigi Sturzo” Diocesan Library, the Diocesan Archives, and the Chapel of the Episcopal Seminary.
The latter was built at the beginning of the 20th century in Neo-Gothic style.
