At Santo Spirito Monastery in Agrigento, you can see Baroque stucco work in the church and buy handmade sweets prepared by the nuns. Look for the work associated with Giacomo Serpotta, then try the amaretti or the monastery’s sweet pistachio couscous, made with nuts, spices and candied fruit. The complex also includes a small museum, which visitors have found less compelling than the church. Finding the entrance can take extra effort, so check your route before setting out.
The church and its stucco work
The church was built by Cistercian monks in the thirteenth century, using material from an earlier temple. Its façade remains unfinished, and a pointed arch marks the entrance. Inside, the church holds Baroque plasterwork associated with Giacomo Serpotta and his school, along with a richly carved altar.
A Roman sarcophagus from the third century is among the older objects noted at the site. Its bas-relief depicts the myth of Phaedra and Hippolytus. Look for it alongside the church’s other surviving historic details.
Sweets made at the monastery
The monastery’s bakery preserves recipes for sweets prepared by the nuns. Amaretti biscuits and almond cakes are among the options, along with conchigliette and cuscusu. Some sweets can be packaged as gifts.
The sweet pistachio couscous is distinct from the savoury Arab dish. Its ingredients include pistachios, almonds, cinnamon, chocolate, walnuts, candied fruit, dates and spices. The monastery also makes desserts with pistachios and almonds.
The museum and planning your visit
The complex includes a small Museo Civico as well as the church. Treat them as separate stops: the church is known for its stuccowork, while the museum has been described as a modest collection. The museum is upstairs, with views over the Valley of the Temples.
The entrance can be hard to locate with map directions, so check your route before leaving. Going early may help you avoid crowds. Visitor experiences at the entrance have varied, so be prepared for possible language misunderstandings.
FAQ
What can you see at Santo Spirito Monastery?
The church has Baroque stucco work associated with Giacomo Serpotta and a richly carved altar. The complex also has a small museum upstairs, with views over the Valley of the Temples.
What sweets can you buy at the monastery?
The nuns prepare amaretti, almond cakes, conchigliette and cuscusu. The sweet pistachio couscous includes nuts, spices, chocolate, candied fruit and dates.
When is a good time to visit?
Go early in the day to avoid crowds.
Is the museum part of the church visit?
The church and museum are separate parts of the complex, so allow time for each if you want to see both.
