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Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena: A Baroque Jewel in Alba

Discover Alba's Baroque gem, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena, with its unique architecture and connection to Margherita of Savoy.

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The Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena is a late-Baroque church in Alba, Italy, designed by Bernardo Vittone and completed in 1749. Its undulating brick facade and elliptical interior make it a notable example of Piedmontese Baroque architecture.

A brief summary to Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena

  • Via Vittorio Emanuele, 28, Alba, Province of Cuneo, 12051, IT
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Visit during the afternoon, as the church is typically open from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
  • Take time to admire the illusionistic decorations on the ceiling, painted by Michele Antonio Milocco.
  • Look for the three crossed arrows carved on the wooden portal, symbolizing the Blessed Margherita of Savoy.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena is located on Via Vittorio Emanuele, Alba's main street, making it easily accessible on foot from most points in the city center. From Piazza Michele Ferrero, walk east along Via Vittorio Emanuele; the church will be on your right. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Alba has a network of public buses that connect various parts of the city. Several bus lines stop near Via Vittorio Emanuele. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient route and stop. A single ticket costs €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in Alba, though they may not be as plentiful as in larger cities. A short taxi ride from the Alba train station (Piazza Trento e Trieste) to the church on Via Vittorio Emanuele will cost approximately €10-€15. Taxi stands can be found near the train station.

  • Parking

    If driving, parking can be found in Piazza Cristo Re, where parking spaces marked in white are free. Paid parking is also available for €0.90 per hour between 8:30 AM and 7:30 PM, except during the lunch hour (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM) when parking is free. Another option is the parking next to the train station.

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Discover more about Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena

Located on Via Vittorio Emanuele, Alba's main street, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena stands in contrast to the city's medieval character. The church was built on the site of a previous 15th-century building, commissioned by Count Carlo Giacinto Roero, and designed by architect Bernardo Antonio Vittone. Construction was completed in 1749, as indicated by dates on decorative elements within the church. The unfinished brick facade features a winding pattern, characteristic of the Borrominian and Guarinian styles. The wooden portal displays carved arrows, symbols of the Blessed Margherita of Savoy. The church's elliptical interior is a prime example of Baroque architecture. Eight Corinthian columns alternate with pilasters, supporting an oval dome illuminated by a lantern. Michele Antonio Milocco painted the illusionistic decoration of the vault between 1747 and 1750, celebrating the Blessed Margherita of Savoy, the Dominican Order, and the Savoy dynasty. The left altar, adorned with polychrome marbles, is dedicated to the Blessed Margherita, while the right altar is dedicated to Santa Rosa. The main altar is dedicated to Santa Maria Maddalena, depicted in an oval altarpiece by Giovanni Battista Biscarra. Inside, visitors can also see a 16th-century crucifix and a bust of Christ by sculptor Pietro Canonica. The church is linked to Margherita of Savoy, who came to Alba in 1421 to lead a monastic life. She founded a Dominican monastery dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene.

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