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Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita: A Baroque Masterpiece

Discover Baroque art and Renaissance sculpture at Bologna's Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita, a historic sanctuary in the city center.

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The Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita, located in the heart of Bologna, is a stunning example of late-Baroque architecture. It's renowned for housing Niccolò dell'Arca's poignant terracotta sculpture, the 'Lamentation over the Dead Christ,' a masterpiece of the Italian Renaissance.

A brief summary to Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita

  • Monday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds and have a more intimate experience with the artwork.
  • Take your time to observe the intricate details and powerful emotions conveyed in Niccolò dell'Arca's 'Lamentation over the Dead Christ.'
  • Explore the Oratory of the Battuti to see Alfonso Lombardi's 'Transit of the Madonna' and other notable artworks.
  • Consider visiting the Museum of Health and Assistance to learn about the history of medicine in Bologna.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Piazza Maggiore, walk east through the Quadrilatero, a vibrant market area. Follow Via Clavature for a short distance; the Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita will be on your right. The walk is short and easy, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of Bologna's historic center. This will cost nothing.

  • Public Transport

    From Bologna Centrale Station, take a bus to the Piazza Maggiore. From there, follow the walking directions above. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Bologna. A taxi from Bologna Centrale Station to the Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita will cost approximately €10-€15. The ride is short and convenient.

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Discover more about Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita

Nestled in Bologna's historic Quadrilatero district, a stone's throw from Piazza Maggiore, the Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita is a captivating blend of art, history, and devotion. Founded in the 13th century, the complex has evolved over centuries, with the current Baroque church dating back to the late 17th and 18th centuries. The elliptical structure, designed by Giovanni Battista Bergonzoni, is crowned by a striking dome completed in 1787 by Giuseppe Tubertini. The facade was added later in 1905. The sanctuary is most famous for housing Niccolò dell'Arca's 'Lamentation over the Dead Christ' (circa 1463), a powerful terracotta sculpture depicting mourners surrounding Christ's body. The life-sized figures, including Mary Magdalene, the Madonna, and John the Apostle, express intense grief and torment. Gabriele D'Annunzio, an Italian poet, described the sculpture as a 'scream of stone'. Adjacent to the church is the Oratory of the Battuti, built between 1604 and 1617. It features the 'Transit of the Madonna,' a group of 14 terracotta statues created by Alfonso Lombardi in 1522. The complex also includes the Museum of Health and Assistance, showcasing Bologna's medical history through artifacts, scientific materials, and paintings. The museum displays medical instruments, 17th and 18th-century paintings, and a collection of 150 small trees from the old hospital pharmacy.

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