Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi, Gothic minor basilica in Bologna, Italy
The Basilica di Santa Maria dei Servi is a Gothic church with three naves and red brick walls, marked by a circular window and a distinctive facade. The structure rises with a bell tower approximately 52 meters (170 feet) tall, visible from many points across the city.
Construction began in 1345 under architect Andrea da Faenza, following a generous land donation from wealthy merchant Taddeo Pepoli. Later additions, including marble columns at the exterior, marked the building's gradual evolution through the 14th and 15th centuries.
The basilica holds works by local and visiting artists across its side chapels, displaying pieces that reflect the building's role as a center for artistic patronage. Over the centuries, wealthy families commissioned these pieces to celebrate their faith and status.
The church sits on Strada Maggiore and is easily reached on foot from the city center. Visitors should be mindful of active worship times and respectful of any ongoing religious activities when planning a visit.
The exterior apse displays Bologna Gothic style with marble columns that were added later, giving the entrance a distinctive elegance. This blend of architectural phases from different building periods is often a surprising feature for visitors, showing how the structure evolved over centuries.
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