San Benedetto, Renaissance church in Parma, Italy.
San Benedetto is a church in Parma rebuilt between 1498 and 1501 under the architect Bernardino Zaccagni di Torrechiara, who also designed its facade; it was renovated in 1759. Inside, a single nave is flanked by three side chapels on each side, and the frescoes were painted during the 1759 works by Antonio Bresciani and Gaetano Ghidetti.
Azzo d'Este founded the church and adjoining monastery in 947 for the Benedictines. Bernardino Zaccagni di Torrechiara directed the reconstruction between 1498 and 1501 and also designed the facade. Pope Gregory XIII assigned the complex to the Jesuati in 1580, and in 1688 the church passed to the diocesan clergy while the monastery housed a female community until 1810. The Salesians took over in 1889 and turned the monastery into a college.
The interior contains frescoes from 1759 painted by Antonio Bresciani and Gaetano Ghidetti that decorate the side altars. These wall paintings remain a key feature of the church and show the artistic vision of the 18th century.
This church is located at Piazzale San Benedetto 3 in Parma and functions as part of the Istituto Salesiano, a high school run by the Salesian order. Access may be limited due to school operations, so it is best to check in advance before planning a visit.
In 1580 Pope Gregory XIII handed the complex to the Gesuati; in 1688 the church passed to the diocesan clergy while the monastery housed a community of oblates and "recognized" women until contemplative orders were dissolved in 1810. The Salesians took over in 1889 and turned the monastery into a college, and the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians added their convent to the north.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 92,620 contributors worldwide.