Madonna di Galliera, Bologna, Renaissance church building in central Bologna, Italy
Madonna di Galliera is a church with Renaissance features in central Bologna whose stone front displays sculptures by Zilio Montanari. The interior impresses with Baroque decorations, several chapels, and a main altar designed by Francesco Galli Bibiena.
Founded in 1304 by the Compagnia dei Poveri Vergognosi, the church was rebuilt from 1479 with a sculpted stone Renaissance facade attributed to Egidio Montanari, with sculptures by Zilio Montanari. In 1622 the Oratorians of St Philip Neri acquired it, rebuilt the interiors and added the adjacent Oratory of San Filippo Neri; Giuseppe Antonio Torri directed further interior work in 1684. Damaged in World War II, it was under restoration in 2014.
The church is also called Chiesa dei Filippini, after the Oratorians of St Philip Neri who acquired it in 1622 and built the adjoining Oratory of San Filippo Neri. The name over the portal reads Chiesa di Filippini Madonna di Galliera e Filippo Neri. The Oratorians rebuilt the interiors, and their devotion to St Philip Neri is reflected in Guercino's altarpiece of the saint.
The church sits on Via Manzoni and is easy to reach from the old town center. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing, especially if religious services might be happening during their visit.
The sacristy holds a notable collection of paintings by the artist couple Giovan Andrea and Elisabetta Sirani from the 17th century. Above the altar hang delicate stucco angels by Giuseppe Mazza that often go unnoticed but enrich the room's details.
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