Spirito Santo, Baroque church in Ortigia, Syracuse, Italy.
Spirito Santo is a baroque church on Ortigia's waterfront facing the Ionian Sea, with a facade displaying a double cross symbol and Spanish Bourbon heraldic shield. The interior is currently closed for repairs, but an external staircase leads to the roof level where visitors can see across the island.
After earthquakes destroyed earlier structures at this site, architect Pompeo Picherali rebuilt the church in baroque style during 1727 when Sicily was under Spanish rule. This reconstruction marked the revival of the site as an important religious center.
The church served as a meeting place for a confraternity whose members conducted processions in hooded robes during Holy Week, recreating scenes of the Passion. These celebrations were central to the island's religious traditions for generations.
Visitors should note that the interior is not currently accessible, but the external staircase still offers worthwhile views across Ortigia and the sea. It is best to visit earlier in the day to climb the stairs and avoid crowding.
In 1974, thieves stole an 18th-century silver chalice and an altarpiece from the school of Antonello da Messina from the church collection. This theft highlighted the valuable artistic works that once graced this sacred space.
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