The history of the Spasimo begins around 1506 when the jurist Giacomo Basilico gave the monks of Monte Oliveto the land to build a church and a convent, probably due to his devotion to the Madonna who suffers, “spasima”, before Christ on the cross. In 1569, the Palermo Senate purchased the church and convent for military purposes. In 1624, the plague epidemic and the consequent need to increase hospital spaces in Palermo led to the transformation of part of the monument into a “lazaretto” to accommodate the sick. Later, the building was used as warehouses for grain and cereals and then as a poorhouse and “beggary depot”. In 1855, the original appearance was partially altered for the hospital’s placement, and after the Unification of Italy, part of the premises was converted into a goods warehouse. From 1931 onwards, several structural damages occurred following earthquakes and floods that irreparably damaged it, and in 1988 restoration work began. Today the Spasimo is one of the most beautiful places of international prominence, full of magic, hosting countless cultural events; theatrical and/or musical performances, exhibitions.
Information on Monumental Complex Santa Maria dello Spasimo
Piazza Spasimo
Palermo (Palermo)
00390918431606
Source: MIBACT
