Santa Maria delle Grazie, church building in Pavia, Italy
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Baroque church in Pavia featuring an unfinished brick facade with robust stone columns and decorative details. The interior is supported by 34 granite columns that carry a continuous barrel vault, while the walls display stucco work, frescoes, and paintings by artists including Giulio Cesare Procaccini and the Fiammenghini brothers.
The church was built following a miracle in 1609 when a paralyzed child was healed after praying to the Virgin Mary, inspiring the community to construct a large sanctuary. Over the centuries it experienced hardship: the Carmelite monastery was closed in 1799, the building briefly served as a storage depot, until a bishop reconsecrated it in 1824.
The church serves as an important religious landmark for Pavia's community and reflects a long tradition of devotion through its decorations and artwork. The depictions of saints like Teresa of Avila and Augustine, along with images of prophets and cherubs, speak to a spirituality that deeply moved the faithful over centuries.
The church is located outside the city center along an ancient pilgrim route and is accessible on foot, with parking available nearby for visitors with cars. It is recommended to visit during opening hours and respect moments of prayer and silence to preserve the spiritual nature of the space.
A paralyzed child named Agostino Rattazzi was reportedly miraculously healed in 1609 after calling upon the Virgin Mary in a small chapel, prompting the construction of this large church. The event remains alive in local memory today and explains the deep devotion this place holds for believers.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
