Chiesa di Santa Chiara (Church of Santa Chiara), Rimini
The Church of Santa Chiara, also known as the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Misericordia, is a stunning example of Baroque architecture in Rimini, located on Santa Chiara Street. Renowned for its spiritual significance and artistic beauty, the church is particularly famous for a miraculous event associated with the venerated icon of the Madonna.
A church has stood on this site since the 14th century, originally connected to the Convent of the Poor Clares. Over the centuries, the structure underwent significant changes. In 1852, the church was extensively refurbished in the Neoclassical style, with interior decoration continuing until 1875 under the artistic direction of Bilancioni and Ravegnani.
The main altarpiece is a revered painting of the Madonna, completed in 1796 by Giuseppe Soleri Brancaleoni. On May 11–12, 1850, many witnesses claimed to observe the eyes of the Madonna in the painting moving skyward, an event deemed miraculous. Following an official investigation by a commission and the approval of Pope Pius IX, the painting was framed in gilded wood adorned with precious stones and metals. The pope, known for defining the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, personally ensured this honor was bestowed by August 1850.
The site holds a special place in Franciscan tradition. According to local lore, Saint Francis of Assisi stayed here during his travels. In December 1655, Queen Christina of Sweden, after converting to Catholicism, rested at the monastery on her way to Rome, adding another layer of historical significance.
Today, the Church of Santa Chiara continues to be a place of pilgrimage and wonder, celebrated for its rich artistic heritage and its role in the spiritual life of Rimini.
A church has stood on this site since the 14th century, originally connected to the Convent of the Poor Clares. Over the centuries, the structure underwent significant changes. In 1852, the church was extensively refurbished in the Neoclassical style, with interior decoration continuing until 1875 under the artistic direction of Bilancioni and Ravegnani.
The main altarpiece is a revered painting of the Madonna, completed in 1796 by Giuseppe Soleri Brancaleoni. On May 11–12, 1850, many witnesses claimed to observe the eyes of the Madonna in the painting moving skyward, an event deemed miraculous. Following an official investigation by a commission and the approval of Pope Pius IX, the painting was framed in gilded wood adorned with precious stones and metals. The pope, known for defining the dogma of the Immaculate Conception, personally ensured this honor was bestowed by August 1850.
The site holds a special place in Franciscan tradition. According to local lore, Saint Francis of Assisi stayed here during his travels. In December 1655, Queen Christina of Sweden, after converting to Catholicism, rested at the monastery on her way to Rome, adding another layer of historical significance.
Today, the Church of Santa Chiara continues to be a place of pilgrimage and wonder, celebrated for its rich artistic heritage and its role in the spiritual life of Rimini.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Rimini. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Chiesa di Santa Chiara (Church of Santa Chiara) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa di Santa Chiara (Church of Santa Chiara)
Sight Location: Rimini, Italy (See walking tours in Rimini)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Rimini, Italy (See walking tours in Rimini)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Rimini, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Rimini
Creating your own self-guided walk in Rimini is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Federico Fellini Trail
Even those vaguely familiar with cinema perhaps have heard of Federico Fellini. In recent history, the picturesque resort town of Rimini, on the Adriatic coast of Italy, "marked" itself primarily as the birthplace and the final resting place of this great film director.
Fellini lived in Rimini from January 1920, when he was born, until January 1939, when he moved out to Rome. While... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Fellini lived in Rimini from January 1920, when he was born, until January 1939, when he moved out to Rome. While... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Rimini Introduction Walking Tour
The Roman Republic founded an outpost called Ariminus at the mouth of the river Marecchia in 268 BC. Rimini was a center of civil wars and invasions. Julius Caesar made his famous "Rubicon" speech to his troops in the city forum.
The city was an all-important junction. The ancient Roman road, via Flaminia, ended in Rimini at the Arch of Augustus, erected in 27 BC. Another old Roman... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The city was an all-important junction. The ancient Roman road, via Flaminia, ended in Rimini at the Arch of Augustus, erected in 27 BC. Another old Roman... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles