Church of Santo Stefano protomartire or of Purgatory (Chiesa di S. Stefano Protomartire o del Purgatorio) in Cefalù
The Church of the Purgatorio (Chiesa di Santo Stefano Protomartire) between Corso Ruggero 104 and 106. The church was built in the 15th century, restored 17th century in the baroque style. (Notice the skulls above the entrance, for details see the page Death in Sicily.) The facade was completed in 1668.
In 1927, the church underwent restoration.
The term protomartire refers to the first martyr of a particular church or community. In the case of Chiesa di S. Stefano Protomartire o del Purgatorio, it specifically refers to Saint Stephen, who is recognized as the protomartyr of the universal Church.
Saint Stephen was the first Christian to give his life in testimony to his faith in Jesus Christ, suffering martyrdom by stoning. His martyrdom is described in the Acts of the Apostles, where he is depicted as a deacon filled with faith and the Holy Spirit.
The title protomartire comes from the Greek words prōtos, meaning 'first' and martys, meaning 'witness of faith' or 'martyr'). This designation emphasizes Saint Stephen's significance as the first Christian witness to sacrifice his life for his faith, setting an example for all subsequent martyrs.
Upper part of the entrance.
The altar in the S. Stefano church.
Skull and bones. Detail of the exterior of the Church of the Purgatorio (Santo Stefano Protomartire) in Cefalù.
Saint Stephen (Greek: Stephanos; Latin: Stephanus), born around Christ’s birth in Jerusalem (?), is celebrated as the first Christian martyr, earning him the titles protomartyr and archmartyr.
The Acts of the Apostles (Chapters 6–7) provides all we know about him. Stephen, described as "full of faith and power," was a Hellenistic Jew. He was the first of seven deacons chosen by the apostles to care for Greek-speaking widows in the Christian community of Jerusalem. The seven included Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch (who later renounced the faith).
Stephen was a fervent preacher and performed many miracles. His boldness led to his accusation of blasphemy by the Sanhedrin (composed of leading Jewish elders, priests, and scribes). During his trial, Stephen summarized Israel’s history and denounced his accusers as resisting the Holy Spirit. As they condemned him, Stephen saw a vision of "the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand." Dragged outside the city, he was stoned to death, praying for his executioners: "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
A young man named Saul (later Paul the Apostle) witnessed and approved his death. Stephen’s martyrdom likely occurred around 34 AD near Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate. His relics were discovered in 415 and transferred to various locations, including Rome and Constantinople, spreading his veneration widely. Emperor Eudocia built a basilica in his honor in Jerusalem around 460, but it was later destroyed.
Saint Stephen is depicted in art as a deacon with a Gospel book, stones, and a martyr’s palm. His feast day, December 26, is among Christianity’s oldest, symbolizing the transition from Christmas joy to heavenly glory. He is the patron saint of deacons, stonemasons, and sufferers of headaches.
Putto holding a skull. Church of the Purgatorio (Santo Stefano).
Relief by the main entrance of Chiesa di Santo Stefano.
Relief by the main entrance of Chiesa di Santo Stefano, Cefalù.
Decorations over the altar.
A memento mori painting in the ceiling.
The gallery with the organ.
The Church of the Purgatorio (Chiesa di Santo Stefano Protomartire). The exterior features a baroque double staircase (see the staircase at Villa Palagonia) leading to a Baroque portal. Originally, the church had two towers: the right tower, incomplete, is partially obscured by a later building, while the left tower, topped with a spire, serves as a bell tower.
