Santa Maria dello Spasimo: An Unfinished Symphony in Stone
Discover Palermo's roofless church, Santa Maria dello Spasimo, a historic site transformed into a unique open-air cultural venue in the heart of Kalsa.
Santa Maria dello Spasimo, an unfinished 16th-century church in Palermo's Kalsa neighborhood, stands as a testament to the city's tumultuous history. Construction halted in 1535 due to rising Turkish threats, leaving the church roofless. Today, it serves as a unique open-air venue for cultural events, its bare walls echoing with music and theater.
A brief summary to Santa Maria dello Spasimo
- Via dello Spasimo, 15, Palermo, Metropolitan City of Palermo, 90133, IT
- +390917408861
- Visit website
Local tips
- Check the event schedule in advance, as Santa Maria dello Spasimo frequently hosts concerts, theatrical performances, and other cultural events.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the church has uneven surfaces and is best explored on foot.
- Visit during the evening to experience the magical atmosphere of a performance under the stars.
Getting There
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Walking
Santa Maria dello Spasimo is located in the Kalsa neighborhood, a short walk from many central Palermo attractions. From Piazza Marina, head east along Via Cala, then turn left onto Via dello Spasimo. The church will be on your right. Walking from the Quattro Canti area will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
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Public Transport
Several bus lines stop near Santa Maria dello Spasimo. Take a bus to the Lincoln Orto Botanico stop, which is a short walk from the church. A single bus ticket costs €1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes. You can purchase tickets at authorized retailers or on board for €1.80.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Palermo. A taxi from Palermo Centrale train station to Santa Maria dello Spasimo will cost approximately €13-€17 and take about 10 minutes. AppTaxi is a service you can use to book a cab.
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