The building that houses the Gioia Theatre was once a church dedicated to the Sacred Heart and the seat of the Jesuit Order, which settled here in the second half of the 19th century. The original structure dates back to an earlier period close to the year 1000.
History
The first records of a place of worship date back to 1031, when it was left to the monastery of San Savino to build a monastery next to it. SS Trinità(the complex), experienced a period of crisis in the 16th century. The Order of Minims took possession of the complex, rebuilt part of the buildings and managed the spaces until Napoleon’s suppression.
In the early 19th century, the church underwent its first conversion into the “Romagnosi” theatre, of which only drawings remain as it was later dismantled with the return to religious use, sanctioned by a solemn ceremony presided over by Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, who on 7 June 1896 reconsecrated the building “contaminated by profane games”, as can still be read on the Latin plaque on the right wall near the entrance.
The transformation of the church into the Teatro Gioia
In 1992, the Society of Jesus ceased its activities. Today, the theatre has resumed its functions after a major restoration that has restored the original space, with its decorations and frescoes.
The large hall is a multi-purpose space, mainly used as a teaching and theatre promotion workshop, as well as hosting performances.
During the season, it also offers a programme for children.