Inside, there is still the robe of those who went to comfort the condemned to death.

- "Oh passerby, who distractedly looks at my gate, have you seen the sign I carry? I am the Church of St. Martin of the Whites, an Archconfraternity founded in 1570 that has included all the major figures and highest offices of the city belonging to the Noble Master.

From them, I was dedicated to St. Martin in 1610, while before I belonged to St. Catherine. After the earthquake of 1693, I was rebuilt even more beautiful and worthy, in Baroque style, and I house wonderful treasures both artistic and cultural, a gallery of Governors and precious registers and historical archives.

If you decide to visit me, you will also see the robe of pure linen with the banner of the Holy Cross worn by the Brothers to fulfill their original task: to comfort those condemned to death, for which they also wore the hood with only openings for the eyes that is no longer used.

This Noble Society, however, has many other prerogatives: to practice and observe Christian duties, to celebrate the Holy Rites during annual liturgical commemorations, and to provide for the funeral honors of deceased members and the supplications for their souls, primarily for charitable and social purposes.

Other noble families, after the death toll due to the earthquake of 1693, joined the Whites, and you can admire their coats of arms above the wooden benches inside my nave, as well as the Chair on which the Governor and his advisors still sit today.

I am a noble church, it is true, but my nobility is not made only of ancient heraldic symbols. Come now, enter through this door, and enjoy this experience, for still few truly know us and will be amazed by what they see, eagerly wishing to return again! See you soon!" -

I.C. “PIZZIGONI-CARDUCCI” (CATANIA)
Prof. Tiziana Piazza