Santa Maria dello Spasimo
Encyclopedia
La Chiesa di Santa Maria dello Spasimo, or Lo Spasimo, is located in the Kalsa neighborhood in Palermo
, Sicily
on via dello Spasimo. Construction of the church (and accompanying convent) began in 1509 with a papal bull from Julius II with land donated by Giacomo Basilicò in 1506.
The church, however, was never completed because of the rising Turkish threat in 1535, where resources meant for the church were diverted to fortifications of the city against any possible incursions. Even in its unfinished states, Lo Spasimo shows the late Gothic style architecture that permeated building practices in Palermo at the time as well as the Spanish influence in the city.
The church now hosts open air musical, theatrical and cultural events because of its lack of a roof.
Palermo
Palermo is a city in Southern Italy, the capital of both the autonomous region of Sicily and the Province of Palermo. The city is noted for its history, culture, architecture and gastronomy, playing an important role throughout much of its existence; it is over 2,700 years old...
, Sicily
Sicily
Sicily is a region of Italy, and is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the surrounding minor islands, it constitutes an autonomous region of Italy, the Regione Autonoma Siciliana Sicily has a rich and unique culture, especially with regard to the arts, music, literature,...
on via dello Spasimo. Construction of the church (and accompanying convent) began in 1509 with a papal bull from Julius II with land donated by Giacomo Basilicò in 1506.
The church, however, was never completed because of the rising Turkish threat in 1535, where resources meant for the church were diverted to fortifications of the city against any possible incursions. Even in its unfinished states, Lo Spasimo shows the late Gothic style architecture that permeated building practices in Palermo at the time as well as the Spanish influence in the city.
The church now hosts open air musical, theatrical and cultural events because of its lack of a roof.