Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Gothic church in Cortemaggiore, Italy.
The Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Gothic church in Cortemaggiore featuring characteristic elements like ornate brickwork and terracotta decorations. Its rectangular layout is structured by several side chapels that shape the interior space.
Construction began in 1460 when Count Gaspare Vimercati donated land to Dominican monks from the monastery of Sant'Apollonia in Pavia. The church grew as part of a larger community project backed by local nobility.
The interior chapels display works by regional artists using painting techniques typical of northern Italy during the Renaissance. These decorations show the artistic importance this place held for the local community.
The church is typically accessible during regular opening hours, with guided tours organized through the local tourism office. It is helpful to check beforehand about current visiting conditions and tour availability.
The refectory survived the heavy bombing raids of 1943 during World War II and was carefully restored afterward. This restoration preserved an important space that carries traces of its complex past.
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