The building dates back to at least the 15th century and preserves one of the oldest images of Saint Severa, the patron saint of the cult.

In the 1960s the church was transformed into a Baptistery. The interior of the church contains valuable frescoes, dating back to the early 16th century, partly attributed to the school of the painter Antoniazzo Romano.

The frescoes were certainly commissioned by the preceptor of the Holy Spirit, who can be identified as Gabriele De Salis. The fresco in the apse features Gabriele de Salis himself, depicted kneeling in front of the Madonna enthroned with the child. To the left of the preceptor are visible Saint Sebastian and Saint Severa. On the right, Saint Lucy is flanked by Saint Rocco who points to the plague bubo on her leg.

On the left wall there is an imposing vessel flying the flag of the Holy Spirit with some passengers and figures of saints outside. It is probably a votive scene: it is likely that De Salis wanted to fulfill a vow made during a dangerous sea voyage when the crew was struck by the plague.

The opposite wall houses a very ruined fresco depicting the crucifixion. Of particular interest are the numerous votive graffiti. The silhouettes of ships from the 15th and 16th centuries can be recognized. These are depictions most likely made by sailors who frequented the port of Santa Severa and left the image of their ship in the church as an ex voto.