CHIESA DELLO SPIRITO SANTO
Latest update: 19 March 2022
CHIESA DELLO SPIRITO SANTO
Constructed: 1652 – 1674
Style: Baroque
Location: Via Luigi Mazzella, Ischia Ponte
Constructed by: The Sailors of the Village
Separated from the busy street by a steep flight of steps, the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo is a church of the people. It radiates richness in colour and lavish decoration, in marked contrast to the more restrained decoration in the Cathedral, on the other side of the road.
It’s interesting history begins in 1613 when the sailors of the local community began building their own church, near a small chapel dedicated to S. Sophia and a hospital for the poor alongside it. But when the chapel and hospital were demolished in 1652, they were able to enlarge their church, which opened for services in 1674.
In a simple Latin Cross, the barrel vaulted nave is decorated with frescoes and stucco reliefs with a maritime theme. A large, atmospheric, fresco on the ceiling, as you enter, depicts an incident from the Gospels, when Christ walked on the water and calmed the storm at sea for the frightened disciples – a theme of particular relevance to the fishing community. On the main altar hangs a painting of the “Pentacost” 1768, by the Ischian artist, Alfonso di Spigna, (1697 – 1785), who was born in Lacco Ameno and lived to the great age of 88!
Style: Baroque
Location: Via Luigi Mazzella, Ischia Ponte
Constructed by: The Sailors of the Village
Separated from the busy street by a steep flight of steps, the Chiesa dello Spirito Santo is a church of the people. It radiates richness in colour and lavish decoration, in marked contrast to the more restrained decoration in the Cathedral, on the other side of the road.
It’s interesting history begins in 1613 when the sailors of the local community began building their own church, near a small chapel dedicated to S. Sophia and a hospital for the poor alongside it. But when the chapel and hospital were demolished in 1652, they were able to enlarge their church, which opened for services in 1674.
In a simple Latin Cross, the barrel vaulted nave is decorated with frescoes and stucco reliefs with a maritime theme. A large, atmospheric, fresco on the ceiling, as you enter, depicts an incident from the Gospels, when Christ walked on the water and calmed the storm at sea for the frightened disciples – a theme of particular relevance to the fishing community. On the main altar hangs a painting of the “Pentacost” 1768, by the Ischian artist, Alfonso di Spigna, (1697 – 1785), who was born in Lacco Ameno and lived to the great age of 88!
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