Santa Maria della Grazie, Gothic Catholic church and shrine in Varallo Sesia, Italy
Santa Maria della Grazie is a Gothic church in Varallo Sesia with a central hall for friars and three rounded arches at the front. The space is divided by two side passages that lead to separate chapels on each side.
The church was built between 1486 and 1493 under Padre Bernardo Caimi's direction and marked the start of the Sacro Monte construction period. This early work established the foundation for religious development in the area.
The interior walls display frescoes by Gaudenzio Ferrari from 1531 showing twenty scenes from Jesus's life. These painted scenes shape how the space feels and tell biblical stories in a way visitors can follow.
The church is part of a Franciscan convent now managed by the Suore Missionarie di Gesù Eterno Sacerdote since 1953. Keep in mind this is an active religious community, so visiting times may be limited.
Ferrari's frescoes cover about 82 square meters of wall space with the Crucifixion scene placed centrally as the main focal point. This central positioning naturally draws the viewer's eye to the most important moment in Christian history.
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