Chiesa di Santo Spirito
A resilient 16th-century church in Ferrara, offering deep spiritual experiences and a unique attached arthouse cinema.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Chiesa di Santo Spirito
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A resilient 16th-century church in Ferrara, offering deep spiritual experiences and a unique attached arthouse cinema.
"Experience a profound spiritual load and unique arthouse films at this resilient Ferrara gem."
Check Current Accessibility
Parts of the church may still be unusable post-earthquake. Verify status before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Engage with Friars
Visitors rave about the friars' helpfulness and profound spiritual insights. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
16th Century Architecture
Main Sanctuary
Witness the resilience of a church rebuilt after a 1570 earthquake, showcasing a unique Greek cross plan.
Spiritual Atmosphere
Throughout the Church
Experience a palpable 'spiritual load' and profound insights from helpful friars.
Attached Art House Cinema
Adjacent to the Church
Enjoy second-run, arthouse, and restored films at low prices in a nostalgic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Earthquake Status
Embrace the Spirituality
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Current Accessibility
Parts of the church may still be unusable post-earthquake. Verify status before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Engage with Friars
Visitors rave about the friars' helpfulness and profound spiritual insights. :pray:
Visit the Cinema
Don't miss the attached cinema for affordable arthouse films in a retro setting. :movie_camera:
Parking Lot Square
The square in front serves as a parking lot, which is convenient but may detract from the ambiance. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Current Accessibility
Parts of the church may still be unusable post-earthquake. Verify status before visiting. :informationdeskperson:
Engage with Friars
Visitors rave about the friars' helpfulness and profound spiritual insights. :pray:
Visit the Cinema
Don't miss the attached cinema for affordable arthouse films in a retro setting. :movie_camera:
Parking Lot Square
The square in front serves as a parking lot, which is convenient but may detract from the ambiance. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Chiesa di Santo Spirito for its profound spiritual atmosphere and the helpfulness of its friars, highlighting it as a unique center for traditional Catholic spirituality in Ferrara. The attached arthouse cinema is a surprising bonus, offering affordable film screenings. Some note that parts of the church remain unusable due to earthquake damage, and the front square serving as a parking lot can detract from the immediate ambiance.
"It is the only parish in Ferrara city center with traditional catholic spirituality, a part for the newly formed S.Chiara that it is not a real parish, but a church with traditional rites, without annexed territory."
A M
"Good"
Matteo Valli
"The original church, built in the early 16th century, was almost completely destroyed by the 1570 earthquake.
The post-earthquake reconstruction changed from the original Latin cross plan with three naves, a transept, and a semicircular apse to a Greek cross plan, preserving the perimeter walls of the apse, transept, and part of the naves.
The church's façade was not completed until 1630.
The church, rendered unusable by the May 2012 earthquake, is now open for worship and to the public.
The square in front of the church is used as a parking lot."
Virna Tagliatti
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chiesa di Santo Spirito is located in the city center of Ferrara. If you are arriving by train, it's a pleasant walk or a short bus ride from the Ferrara train station. Driving is possible, but be aware that the square in front of the church is often used as a parking lot, which can impact the immediate surroundings.
Yes, the square directly in front of the Chiesa di Santo Spirito often functions as a parking lot, offering convenient access for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the church itself is generally free, as it is an active parish. However, it's advisable to check for any specific visiting hours or potential small fees for certain areas or events.
As an active parish church, Santo Spirito has regular opening hours for worship. However, due to its history of earthquake damage, parts of the church may have restricted access. It's best to check locally or online for the most current hours and accessibility information.
The church has been reopened for worship and public visits, but some areas may still be partially unusable due to damage sustained in the 2012 earthquake.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Originally built in the early 16th century, the church was largely destroyed by a 1570 earthquake and subsequently rebuilt with a Greek cross plan. Its facade was completed in 1630, and it has undergone further renovations over the centuries.
Many visitors describe a profound 'spiritual load' and a deeply traditional Catholic spirituality. The friars are often noted for their helpfulness and profound insights, contributing to the church's spiritual ambiance.
Beyond its architectural resilience, the church is notable for its traditional Catholic spirituality and the presence of helpful friars. An attached small movie theater showing arthouse films is also a unique feature.
🎫 🎬 Cinema Experience
The church has a small, somewhat spartan movie theater that shows second-run, arthouse, and restored films at very minimal prices. It's a nostalgic venue reminiscent of older movie theaters, often featuring excellent film selections.
The cinema specializes in second-run films, arthouse cinema, and restored classics, offering a curated selection for film enthusiasts.
Yes, vending machines for drinks and coffee are available at the attached movie theater.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❤️ Couples & Spiritual Seekers
🎬 Film Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Resilience and Reconstruction
More recently, the church faced further challenges due to the May 2012 earthquake, which rendered it unusable. Fortunately, after extensive restoration efforts, it has been reopened for both worship and public visitation. While the church is now accessible, it's important for visitors to be aware that some areas might still bear the marks of damage or remain partially unusable, a poignant reminder of its turbulent history. The square in front, now serving as a parking lot, adds a practical but perhaps less picturesque element to its immediate surroundings.
Spiritual Heart of Ferrara
The friars associated with the church are frequently mentioned in reviews for their exceptional helpfulness and the depth of their spiritual insights. Engaging with them can offer visitors a richer understanding of the church's traditions and its ongoing spiritual mission. While one reviewer noted that the festive Holy Mass timing might be late for those traveling from afar, the overall sentiment points towards a deeply meaningful and authentic spiritual encounter.
A Unique Cinematic Gem
The programming at this cinema is a significant draw, with reviewers consistently praising the often excellent quality of the films shown. For a minimal price, patrons can immerse themselves in cinematic gems that might not be widely available elsewhere. The convenience of having vending machines for drinks and coffee further enhances the experience, making it a perfect complement to a visit to the church or a standalone cultural outing in Ferrara.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit