/ / Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi: photos, description of Santa Maria dei Servi)


Santa Maria dei Servi is a Catholic Basilica in Bologna, founded in 1346 as the Church of servitu Ministers of the order of the virgin Mary. On the creation of the project of the Church worked with Andrea da Faenza whose work can also be seen in the Cathedral of San Petronio. And the status of Basilica, she was awarded the Pope Pius XII.

Santa Maria dei Servi is not the biggest Church in Bologna, only 100 meters long and 20 meters wide. It has the shape of a Latin cross, but the cross-aisle are not in favor of the side chapels. The shallow apse is typical of Italian Gothic architecture form.

Andrea da Faenza died in 1396, leaving the Church unfinished. Construction of the temple was completed only in the 15th century, it was in accordance with the projects of the architect. The Central nave and side aisles separated from each other sturdy round columns with capitals. The original column is red and the base in a contrasting shade adds a decorative effect to the simple decoration of the Church. Under the high Gothic arches on the plastered walls there are window openings.

Inside are preserved marble altar, the work of Giovanni Angelo of Montorsoli, known as the "Michelangelo" of Montorsoli, frescoes from the 14th century, made of Vitale da Bologna, and the image of the blessed virgin Mary on the Throne - the creation of Cimabue. Also in the Church there is the organ - one of the best in Europe.

The facade of Santa Maria dei Servi, built in several stages, has never been decorated. The building itself is of brick has a fairly nondescript look. But the real gem of the Church is its courtyard or atrium, typical of early Christian churches. It was built in the 16th century and "captured" the entire area adjacent to the temple. Apparently, a sample was taken by the passage of the Florentine orphanage work great Brunelleschi. In the place where the passage of Santa Maria dei Servi is in contact with the facade of the Church, it forms the so-called porch - a wide portico of five arches.