Descrizione
The Augustinian Convent, built between 1767 and 1789 by the architect Giuseppe Carbonari Giminiani, is one of the city’s most iconic sites. This historic complex, with its elegant inner courtyard designed in the style of Borromini, embodies centuries of history, culture and transformation. Originally conceived as a religious centre, the convent served as a spiritual, educational and social hub for the Corinaldo community.
The convent housed spaces dedicated to prayer, as well as areas for education and care for the needy, reflecting the Augustinians’ mission to combine faith with social commitment. During the 19th century, following the suppression of religious orders and the redistribution of ecclesiastical property, the complex underwent profound changes. Some parts were adapted for new secular uses, whilst others were integrated into community life, confirming the site’s symbolic and practical value. Today, the former convent is one of Corinaldo’s most important cultural hubs.
In 2021, the convent hosted the MA – Moderna Agorà project, the City of Corinaldo’s Palace of Culture, an innovative vision that reinvents the complex as a contemporary public square for the town. This multi-purpose space houses venues for events and exhibitions, as well as the Santa Maria Goretti International Study Centre, dedicated to women and inspired by the figure of Saint Maria Goretti. The Centre was established with the aim of promoting the role of women in society, raising awareness of gender-based violence and sparking cultural reflection through research, education and awareness-raising activities.
Also housed within the MA is the Municipal Library, a dynamic space that blends history and modernity. As well as collaborating with schools and providing study spaces for pupils, the library serves as a centre for knowledge dissemination and reflection for local communities. Events, exhibitions and pop art installations bring its spaces to life: among these is an interactive exhibition dedicated to women who have shaped the history of science, enhanced by QR codes that recount their stories, transforming the entrance staircase into a unique educational experience.
