Chiesa di San Pancrazio (Church of Saint Pancras), Taormina

The Church of Saint Pancras is built upon the remains of a Greek temple once dedicated to Isis and Serapis deities-Romanized into the fusion Jupiter Serapis. You can still glimpse large square blocks from the temple’s north and south walls integrated into the church's structure, offering a silent testimony to centuries-old continuity.

The oldest parts of the building date back to the Byzantine era (6th to 9th centuries), when the structure assumed a Christian cross-shaped layout, complete with east-facing apses and a single altar. Over time, it weathered Saracen sieges and later flourished with elaborate Baroque renovations in the late 17th century, including an enlarged footprint and richly ornate features.

The baroque façade captures attention with its harmonious blend of white and pink Taormina marble, Ionic columns on high plinths, and sculptural adornments. Statues of saints-such as Saint Procopius and perhaps Saint Pancrazio or Saint Maximus-grace the entrance, while the triangular pediment is topped with an oculus and wrought-iron cross. To the rear, the bell tower stands gracefully above the sacristy, constructed of Taormina stone with open-arched belfry, an octagonal lantern, small dome, and ornate cornice with double-volute motifs.

Inside, the church offers a peaceful sanctuary characterized by a single nave and polychrome altars. The main altar-built over part of the ancient Greek cella-features marble columns and angels holding symbols of Christian faith and episcopal authority. Along the side walls are devotional chapels and works of sacred art: vivid paintings of the martyrdoms of Saint Nicone and Saint Procopius, depictions of Saint Maximus’s consecration, and frescoes depicting Bishop Theophanes Cerameo among others.

Devotion to Saint Pancras-the city’s first bishop and patron saint-is at the heart of the church’s spiritual life. A statue of Saint Procopius resides behind the high altar, carried in procession each year on July 9th during a citywide celebration.