Chiesa del Gesù, Baroque church in Montepulciano, Italy.
The Chiesa del Gesù is a baroque church in Montepulciano with an oval-shaped interior defined by rhythmic columns and supporting elements creating visual divisions throughout the space. The building features an ornate dome adapted to the sloping terrain of the town, along with decorative details that cover much of the interior surfaces.
Construction started in 1691 based on designs by Giovanni Battista Origoni, with the building later modified in the early 1700s by a Jesuit architect. These changes over time shaped the church into its current form as different designers added their own approach to the structure.
The interior displays artistic works created by local artisans, including decorative stucco figures and paintings that use visual tricks to seem deeper than they actually are. These creations continue to shape how the space feels and reflects the skilled craftsmanship of those who made it.
The church is located in the central area of Montepulciano and can be easily reached while exploring the town. Visitors should plan ahead since access depends on current opening times and may vary depending on religious services or special events.
The dome was specially designed to adapt to Montepulciano's sloping hillside terrain while solving structural concerns that arose during construction. This problem-solving approach shows how builders had to get creative when working on uneven ground in a hilly town.
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