Acoustic Measurements of SS Salvatore Church, Bologna, Italy

This study presents an acoustic analysis of SS. Salvatore Church in Bologna, a large early Baroque church that preserves the city’s oldest originally intact musical setting for separated choirs. Measurements were carried out under unoccupied conditions using an omnidirectional sound source at the organ, and various types of microphones positioned at multiple locations throughout the church. Standard acoustic parameters, including reverberation time, clarity, definition, center time, and apparent source width, were analyzed according to ISO 3382-1. A long reverberation time was observed, which may be considered in line with the acoustics of other churches of this scale. The distribution of early decay time (EDT) values showed clear dependence on receiver position. Other parameters deviated significantly from the optimal ranges, likely reflecting the complex and varied spatial characteristics of the church’s interior. These preliminary findings provide valuable insight and form a basis for future, more detailed investigations into the acoustic behavior of historical ecclesiastical spaces.