Chiesa di San Ferdinando

San Ferdinando in Livorno's Venezia quarter contrasts an unfinished brick facade with a richly furnished Baroque interior. Also known as the Crocetta, it is closely connected with the Trinitarian order and its mission of ransoming Christian captives.

Why it matters

The church gives artistic form to a history of Mediterranean captivity and redemption. Its patronage brought together the Medici court, local benefactors and sculptors working within the Tuscan Baroque tradition.

What to notice

The nave, side chapels and dome provide the setting for Giovanni Baratta's sculpture. The group known as the Vision of Saint John of Matha or the Freed Slaves presents an angel with two prisoners. Statues of Saint Edward and Saint Henry II add royal saints to the ensemble. Francesco Terriesi's tomb recalls one of the church's principal benefactors.

Context and history

Construction began in 1707 to a design by Giovanni Battista Foggini and was completed in 1716 under Giovanni del Fantasia. Prince Ferdinando de' Medici and Terriesi supported the project. The dedication honours Ferdinand III of Castile, while the popular name Crocetta refers to the Trinitarian emblem. Wartime damage affected the chapels and destroyed the bell tower, which was subsequently rebuilt.