SHARRYLAND
St. Mary of Consolation
A masterpiece of elegance just outside the walls of Todi
Where is
What it is and where it is
The Temple of Santa Maria della Consolazione is located immediately outside the city walls of Todi, southwest of the city, and is one of the masterpieces of the Umbrian Renaissance. Its forms strive for perfection starting with the Greek cross plan, resulting from the meeting of two equal arms to which four apses are leaning, three of them polygonal and one, the northern one, semicircular. The apses, developed in two orders, are surmounted by domes that ideally embrace the terrace and the majestic central dome, supported by a tympanum decorated with double Ionic pillars attributed to Francesco Casella.
Why it is special
When one looks at the sanctuary, one is enchanted by the balance of its forms; its imposing volumes, instead of looming over the observer, welcome him and almost cradle him. It seems incredible for a monument seventy meters high! This effect is surprising when one considers that there are elements made in very different centuries. The three entrance portals, for example, date from the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries, respectively; while the spacious and bright interior is in the Baroque style attributed to the genius of Filippo da Meli.
Not to be missed
The northern apse, the only perfectly semicircular one, houses the altar, a triumph of polychrome marble and gilding, elegant little columns, soft volutes and graceful statues. In the center of the majestic composition is an opening, almost a small window to a sacred image. A fresco, to be precise, older than the sanctuary itself. It is a fresco depicting a Madonna and Child, and the shrine was built for the very purpose of guarding it. The name, Our Lady of Consolation, comes from this very image, of the Mother lovingly comforting her Son.
A bit of history
The building, begun in 1508, was not completed until a century later in, 1607. Although there is no documentary evidence of a design made by Bramante, the structure of the building seems to leave no room for doubt and, since the 16th century, has been attributed to the famous architect. Absolutely certain, however, is the intervention of some important masters such as Cola da Caprarola, Antonio da Sangallo, the Peruzzi, the Vignola and Ippolito Scalza.
Trivia
According to legend, it was a mason who found the remains of the Madonna della Consolazione fresco covered in dust and cobwebs. He instinctively cleaned it up with a handkerchief he had in his pocket. A little later, he used the same cloth to wipe the sweat from his face and, with this simple gesture, was miraculously healed in one eye.
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
Contact
The Map thanks:
Enter the Map of Italy's Undiscovered Wonders and find treasures where you least expect it... Inspire, Recommend, Share...
Where is
Contact
