Chiesa di San Carlo, Reggio Emilia

The church of Saints Charles and Agatha, commonly called San Carlo, is located in the historic center of Reggio Emilia and overlooks Via San Carlo.

Not easily distinguishable from neighboring houses, except for the curvature of the apse at the rear facing Manfredi Street, the church is in a state of partial abandonment.

It was radically rebuilt in the 1760s to a design by Luigi Bartolomeo Avanzini and under the direction of local architect Girolamo Beltrami. Previously the oratory had been dedicated to St. Faustino since 857 and since 1549 to St. Agatha. Only in 1639, with the acquisition of the oratory by the confraternity of St. Agatha, was the dedication to St. Charles added.

After frequent changes of ownership and changes of use, the church is now deconsecrated but owned by the episcopal curia of Reggio Emilia and is occasionally opened for small exhibitions.

Outside, above the portal, there is a much ruined fresco depicting St. Agatha, while two 17th-century plaques still remain on the sides. The interior marked by pilasters and stucco cornices, is unfurnished and the high altar is stored, but four stucco statues depicting Justice, Temperance, Prudence and Fortitude remain.