Santo Spirito Abbey, Caltanissetta, Italy

The Abbey of the Santo Spirito (Holy Spirit), built by the Norman Count Ruggero and his wife Queen Adelasia in 1092–1098, was consecrated in 1153. It has been greatly altered in subsequent centuries. The original outlines are still identifiable to the rear, where its characteristic massive jutting apses can be seen. These are separated by flat pilasters and connected by a series of small arches. The left-hand entrance has an ogival portal from the 13th century. The lunette once contained a figure of Christ Blessing, which was eventually moved inside the Abbey. Notable are the rectangular nave and wooden-beamed ceiling. The walls and the apses have frescoes attributed to the 14th century. The vault of the apse shows a 17th-century figure of Christ Pantocrator.

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User Reviews

V P (2 years ago)
I was looking forward to see this little Abbey but when we arrived despite the front gate was open the door of the church was closed at a time it says it should have been open. Another tourist was on the spot like us, wanting to see it and was complaining that also the day before the Abbey was closed, no clear explanation why. Looks like the priest responsible for keeping it open is rarely available... What a shame!

Luigi hh (2 years ago)
A beautiful church in Caltanissetta located in Via di Santo Spirito is the Abbey of Santo Spirito, dating back to the Norman Arab period, it is one of the oldest churches in the area. The building is massive with a rectangular plan and characterized by the presence of a corner tower. the Abbey was born as a fortified farmhouse in which the surveillance and defense of the rich surrounding agricultural land was important. In 1092, by the will of Count Ruggero, it was transformed into a place of worship for the evangelization of Muslims residing in the countryside. The interior of the church is characterized by a large baptismal font, a 15th-century crucifix, painted on wood, and late-15th-century frescoes: Christ Blessing, The Study of St. Augustine and The Mass of St. Gregory. I recommend the visit

Francesco Zarelli (2 years ago)
We were in Caltanissetta in August 2019, we made a stop before going to Palermo, we were very impressed by the serenity that reigns, a beautiful and peaceful city, very clean streets and the people are uncommonly kind, we asked what to visit and practically not only they advised us, but even in some places they actually accompanied us. So we visited the Abbey of Santo Spirito, really very beautiful and even the caretaker was kind enough to let us visit it even though it was closing time. ???❤️❤️

Arcangelo Fiorenza (2 years ago)
Delightful Abbey which was built on a fortified Arab farmhouse. If you find yourself in the passages I recommend watching.

Salvatore lomanto (4 years ago)
bellissima location...il parroco di adesso è fantastico

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