In a move that has raised eyebrows, Marilyn Manson will be staying in a convent of nuns in Ferrara ahead of his concert on July 11. The unexpected announcement was made by Mayor Alan Fabbri during a radio interview, sparking both curiosity and debate.

The American singer - known for his provocative performances blending art, theatricality, and religious imagery - is no stranger to controversy. In the past, he has performed acts such as burning pages of the Bible on stage, including during a concert in Florence in 2015.

Mayor Fabbri framed Manson’s visit as part of Ferrara’s diverse and ambitious music programming. In recent years, the city has hosted a wide range of artists, from international electronic music stars to rock legends such as Bruce Springsteen and Vasco Rossi, who is set to launch his new tour from Ferrara.

“If we want to talk about something truly extraordinary - and even ‘progressive’ - it’s the fact that Marilyn Manson will be hosted by nuns in a convent,” Fabbri remarked. The striking contrast has quickly drawn widespread media attention.

Addressing the long-standing controversy surrounding his imagery, Manson has repeatedly clarified his stance. Although he was symbolically named a reverend by Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, in 1994, he has insisted that he does not believe in the existence of the devil. Instead, he describes his use of satanic symbolism as artistic provocation and a critique of religious hypocrisy, rather than a genuine expression of belief.