San Domenico

San Domenico is an 18th-century church in Ferrara featuring a single nave with five chapels lining each side. The walls display fragments of frescoes painted by Giacomo Filippi that hint at the building's decorative past.

Construction began in 1726 under architect Vincenzo Santini, replacing an older building from 1274 that had served as a center for medical teaching. This succession reveals how the site maintained importance across centuries.

The facade displays statues by Andrea Ferreri depicting Dominican saints such as Thomas Aquinas, shaping how the church presents itself to the city. These figures reflect the artistic expression of the order's presence in Ferrara.

The church is located at Piazza Sacrati 10 and is best explored on foot like most sites in the old town center. Visitors should note that church hours may vary, so checking ahead is worthwhile.

A pillar inside the church displays scratches that local tradition attributes to a devil who listened to a confession. These marks have become part of the folklore surrounding this place.

Location: Ferrara

Inception: 1726

Architects: Vincenzo Santini

Address: piazza Sacrati 10 ‒ Ferrara (FE)

GPS coordinates: 44.83826,11.61625

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:23