Former Carmine's church

The Carmelite fathers of the nearby convent had the church designed by the architect Giuseppe Antonio Torri. Its construction began in 1696. By then, the ‘old church’ annexed to the convent along the Contrada di Mezzo (Medicina’s old ‘main street’) was deemed inadequate for Medicina’s growing Carmelite community, which had already produced four generals of the Order.

Numerous projects were proposed. In the end it was decided that a new church would be built in what was deemed to be the most suitable location, despite it being - rather uniquely - separated from the convent by a public road. To remedy this not small inconvenience, the friars obtained permission from the municipality to link convent and church with underpasses. Construction work on the church lasted until 1724. On the outside, the Latin cross plan with octagonal lantern creates an impressive sensation of vertical momentum; the interior, instead, has been enhanced and expanded through the masterful use of some of the most grandiose stuccoes of early 18th century Bologna. The side altars retain their original 18th century paintings while the ancillary rooms of the sacristy, designed by Torreggiani, are furnished with sumptuous baroque cabinets.

Following its deconsecration in the 1920s, it was used as a military depot by the Italian army and later occupied by the Germans. An integral part of Medicina’s history, the former Carmine church is now a captivating venue for cultural events, exhibitions and concerts.