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Deconsecrated Church of St Nicholas of Bari in Ariccia: the lesser-known Bernini
In the historic centre of Ariccia, the deconsecrated church of San Nicola di Bari was commissioned by Pope Alexander VII and built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini alongside his brother Luigi, upon the remains of the ancient Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta (St Mary of the Assumption). The façade is intentionally sober, with a pediment devoid of decorations. The square-plan interior with two side chapels follows this compositional simplicity. The current layout stems from transformations brought by the Padri Dottrinari (Fathers of Christian Doctrine) in the 19th century.
From worship to theatre
Situated close to the vast former College of San Nicola, which today serves as the Town Hall, the church has housed a 100-seat theatre hall since 2008, as part of a municipal theatre hub project.
