Santa Maria delle Grazie, Renaissance church in Pistoia, Italy
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Renaissance church in Pistoia featuring a stone facade, round window, and decorated main entrance. Its interior reveals freestanding columns and a dome over the apse, creating a balanced and ordered space.
Construction began in 1469 under architect Ventura Vitoni and finished in 1484, with the official blessing taking place in 1535. The gap between completion and blessing reflects the careful preparation involved in dedicating such important buildings.
The church houses important artworks that reflect the religious artistic tradition of the Renaissance, with paintings that show how faith was expressed through visual beauty during that era.
The church is located at Piazza San Lorenzo 26 and continues to function as an active parish. Visitors should be aware that it remains a working place of worship where services may affect visiting times.
Above the main entrance sits a carved relief showing two checkered bears holding the coat of arms of Pistoia. These heraldic animals reflect how cities used their symbols to mark important buildings and express local identity.
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