Santa Maria delle Carceri, Renaissance minor basilica in Prato, Italy.
Santa Maria delle Carceri is a church built on a Greek cross plan topped by a dome resting on a drum with twelve circular windows. The structure combines symmetrical proportions with geometric clarity typical of Renaissance design.
Construction began in 1484 following reports of an animated Madonna and Child image on a prison wall, which prompted Lorenzo de Medici to commission Giuliano da Sangallo. The project arose directly from this religious experience and a local devotional event.
The interior displays works by Domenico Ghirlandaio and ceramic pieces from Andrea della Robbia's workshop, reflecting Renaissance artistic mastery. These creations shape the space today and show how leading artists collaborated on a single project.
The building sits in the center of Prato and is easy to reach for visitors exploring the region. Regular opening hours allow you to stop by during a walk through the city.
During summer months, sunlight enters through specific openings to illuminate the Madonna fresco, revealing a calculated astronomical alignment built into the building. This subtle celestial effect was integrated into the structure from the start.
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