The Oratorio di Santa Zita, alongside the church of the same name near the harbour, is Serpotta's earlier and more ambitious masterpiece. Begun in 1685 and finished in 1717, the walls are covered with allegorical figures, angels, putti, and a remarkable three-dimensional plaster reconstruction of the Battle of Lepanto on the entrance wall.
The work demonstrates Serpotta's technical inventiveness — the soldiers in the Lepanto panel project out from the wall in deep relief, with brass tubes that once held real flags. The oratory is less visited than San Lorenzo and often near-empty. Small entrance fee, combined ticket available.