Chiesa del Purgatorio, church building in Ruvo di Puglia, Italy
The Chiesa del Purgatorio is a Renaissance church in Ruvo di Puglia formed by joining two older churches. Inside, two barrel-vaulted naves display frescoes, a notable 19th century papier-mache Pietà, and altars from different periods, along with ancient silver objects and paintings.
The original San Cleto church was built in the 16th century on a site where early Christians once gathered. A new church was constructed in the 17th century, the two were merged in 1643, and the confraternity was officially established in 1678.
The church served as a gathering place for a confraternity devoted to praying for the dead. The interior decorations and artworks still reflect the community's deep connection to remembering those who have passed.
The church is located on Largo San Cleto in central Ruvo di Puglia and is easily accessible on foot. Visitors should take time to walk through both naves, as each reflects different artistic periods and contains different artworks.
Beneath the church lie underground chambers where confraternity members once stored and respectfully buried the dead during epidemics. The bell tower built in the 18th century tops its northern roof with a distinctive vessel-shaped finial that marks the skyline.
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