Oratory of San Bernardino, Renaissance oratory in Piazza San Francesco, Perugia, Italy.
The Oratory of San Bernardino is a chapel on Piazza San Francesco in Perugia featuring a striking polychrome facade with intricate reliefs and fine sculptural details. The structure displays twin entrance portals and was shaped by Agostino di Duccio between 1457 and 1461 with elaborate stone carving work.
The chapel was built in 1452 to honor Saint Bernardino of Siena and reflects the religious movement of the 15th century in the region. It emerged during a time of great artistic activity in Umbria and shows the connection between devotion and artistic creation of that era.
The facade displays five scenes from Saint Bernardino's life, along with six Franciscan virtues and angel musicians carved into the portal jambs. These sculptural details tell the story of the saint and his ideals in a way that visitors immediately understand upon entering.
The chapel stands next to the Basilica of San Francesco al Prato and is accessible during regular opening hours. Visitors should prepare for limited visiting times as it is a small sacred space that opens to the public at specific moments.
The high altar contains a 4th-century Christian sarcophagus featuring Old Testament scenes that originally held the remains of Blessed Egidio. This ancient stone container was preserved within this sanctuary until 1887, linking early Christian artistic tradition with medieval devotion.
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