Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita, Baroque sanctuary in central Bologna, Italy
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Vita is a baroque church in central Bologna with an elliptical floor plan and a tall dome designed by Giuseppe Tubertini in 1787. The interior is dominated by the impressive cupola, while the walls hold works by different artists.
Construction began in 1687 under architect Giovanni Battista Bergonzoni, and the distinctive facade was added in 1905. These phases show the building's evolution from its baroque origins to its completion in the 20th century.
The chapel houses the renowned terracotta work depicting the Lamentation of Christ by Niccolò dell'Arca, which captures visitors' attention through its emotional intensity and masterful craftsmanship. The figures appear so lifelike that they have moved people for centuries.
The sanctuary is open daily for visitors to explore its interior at their own pace and examine the architectural details and artistic works. The visit is straightforward and requires no special preparation.
The adjacent chapel holds fourteen life-sized terracotta figures depicting the Assumption of the Madonna, created by Alfonso Lombardi in 1522, reflecting the religious devotion of that era. These statues tell a complete story solely through their arrangement and facial expressions.
Location: Bologna
Inception: 1687
Architectural style: baroque architecture
Address: via Clavature 10 ‒ Bologna (BO)
GPS coordinates: 44.49328,11.34466
Latest update: December 6, 2025 19:02
Bologna offers many photography subjects, from medieval towers to Renaissance palaces. The covered arcades stretch for miles, connecting squares, churches, and historic buildings. The Neptune Fountain stands beside Piazza Maggiore, the heart of the city. The Two Towers rise above the streets and have been landmarks for centuries. Santo Stefano Basilica consists of several connected churches, while the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca sits on a hill, reached by one of the longest porticoes in the world. The university district shows buildings from medieval and Renaissance periods, including the Archiginnasio with its anatomical theater. The botanical garden provides a quiet green space, and parks like Giardini Margherita and Montagnola Park offer places to rest. Smaller discoveries like the window on Via Piella give views of the Moline canal. Palaces, libraries, and museums complete the photographic range of this city that has kept its historic character.
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Piazza Maggiore
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Anatomical theatre of the Archiginnasio
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Archeological Civic Museum of Bologna
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Palazzo della Mercanzia
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Palazzo dei Banchi
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Porta Magna - San Petronio
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Palazzo Pepoli Campogrande
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Église de Santa Maria dei Bulgari
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Piazza della Mercanzia
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Lambertini tower
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Palazzo Ronzani
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Diocesan Museum of San Petronio in Bologna
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Torre Carrari
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Palazzo Bolognetti, Bologna
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Torre dei Toschi
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Museum of the History of Bologna
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Palazzo Galvani
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Biblioteca del Museo civico del Risorgimento
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Voltone del Podestà
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Formelle del Portico del Podestà
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Portici di via Indipendenza
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Platano comune
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Biblioteca del museo civico archeologico di Bologna
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Palazzo delle Poste
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Cappella di Santa Maria dei Carcerati in Palazzo Re Enzo
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Palazzo del Capitano del Popolo e Torre dei Lambertini
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