Convent of the Dominicans

The Convent of the Dominicans, known locally as Ex Convento dei Domenicani, is a captivating historical site nestled in the charming city of Pordenone, Italy. This remarkable structure, now home to the Civic Library of Pordenone, boasts a rich history that spans centuries, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the past.

The History of the Convent of the Dominicans

The story of the Convent of the Dominicans begins in 1685 when the Dominican friars of the Rosary, based in Venice, received a generous donation from Alvise Gerardi to establish a new convent. By 1696, they had acquired a rugged piece of land just outside the city walls from Daniele di Montereale Mantica. The terrain, abundant with springs, required substantial leveling before construction could commence on a small hill. The convent's construction began in 1696, and by 1728, the building, excluding the bell tower, was complete. The friars marked their move into the new structure with a grand procession.

Between 1728 and 1729, the Church of the Rosary was consecrated by Bishop Giacomo Maria Erizzo of Concordia. The bell tower, which initially housed four bells in August 1735, had to be demolished and rebuilt due to structural concerns, with the new tower completed in 1739. To facilitate access to the church for the townspeople, the friars persuaded the municipality to open a new gate in the city walls and constructed a bridge, known as the Bridge of the Nuns, at their own expense.

In 1770, the convent was closed by order of the Republic of Venice, and in 1771, it was purchased by the Augustinian nuns, encouraged by Bishop Alvise Maria Gabrieli of Concordia. The nuns relocated from the Convent of Santa Maria degli Angeli to the new site in a solemn procession. Over the following years, the building underwent modifications to meet the needs of the nuns. However, when the nuns' convent was also closed between 1806 and 1808, the complex was auctioned off. In 1812, the new owner, Antonio Villalta, demolished the church and bell tower to repurpose the materials for construction.

Subsequently, the convent served various purposes, including a barracks, following Friuli's annexation to the Kingdom of Italy in 1866. A new wing was constructed where the church once stood. The building then became home to schools and the courthouse, undergoing significant changes that shaped its current form. During World War I, it functioned as a military hospital, requiring restoration in 1919 to revert to its previous uses. In 1923, the courthouse was abolished, leaving only the magistrate's office. From 1967 to 2000, the building housed high schools.

On June 5, 2010, after a restoration project that spanned from 2003 to 2010, the Convent of the Dominicans was inaugurated as the new home of the Civic Library of Pordenone.

Exploring the Convent of the Dominicans

Today, the Convent of the Dominicans stands proudly on a small hill overlooking what is now Piazza XX Settembre. Originally, the complex comprised the convent itself—a two-story building structured around three sides of a square—the church, located on the eastern side of the square, enclosing the cloister, and the bell tower, completed a decade after the other structures. The historian Vendramino Candiani once described the Church of the Rosary as the finest in the city, adorned with marble that later embellished the Duomo. The bell tower was noted for its elegance, resembling the tower of the Church of the Greeks in Venice.

Over the centuries, the structure has undergone numerous changes. Today, only the main building of the convent remains, significantly altered from its original appearance, while the church and bell tower have been lost to time. Despite these changes, the Convent of the Dominicans continues to be a place of historical and cultural significance.

The Civic Library of Pordenone

The transformation of the Convent of the Dominicans into the Civic Library of Pordenone has breathed new life into this historic site. The library serves as a vibrant cultural hub, offering a wealth of resources and activities for the community. Visitors can explore the library's extensive collection, which includes books, periodicals, and digital media, or participate in various events and programs hosted within its walls.

As you step into the library, you are greeted by a harmonious blend of historical architecture and modern amenities. The restoration has preserved the building's historical essence while incorporating contemporary elements to create a welcoming and functional space. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a book lover, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Pordenone, the Convent of the Dominicans is a must-visit destination.

In conclusion, the Convent of the Dominicans is not just a relic of the past but a living testament to Pordenone's rich history and enduring spirit. Its walls have witnessed centuries of change, from its origins as a Dominican convent to its current role as a civic library. A visit to this remarkable site offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past while embracing the present, making it an unmissable attraction in the heart of Pordenone.