The Madonna dell’Umiltà Basilica in Pistoia was built towards the end of the 16th century, following a miraculous event. The dome of the church was designed by Vasari, not the only famous architect who worked on its construction.
Madonna dell’Umiltà Basilica Pistoia
Address, Opening Hours and Admission
The address of the Basilica di Madonna dell’Umiltà is Via V. Vitoni 2 – 51100 Pistoia (tel. +39 057322045). Opening hours: Unknown. Entrance fee: Free.
History Madonna dell’Umiltà Basilica Pistoia
The Madonna dell’Umiltà Basilica is the most famous Renaissance building in Pistoia.
The history of the church begins in 1490, when in the already existing Santa Maria Forisportam Church, which had been renamed Santa Maria dell’Umiltà in 1515, a statue of Mary began to shed silver tears.
The church became so crowded after this miraculous event that it was necessary to build a new, larger basilica. This happened and the entire wall with the weeping Mary was incorporated into the new church.
Construction began at the end of the 15th century, but it took more than half a century to complete the church.
Several architects, including Giuliano da Sangallo, Ventura Vitoni and Giorgio Vasari contributed to the work.
Bartolomeo Ammannati was responsible for the decoration of the interior in 1575.
The portal dates from the 16th century and was designed by Parisi. On either side are pillars and niches.
Through the vestibule, with a beautiful ceiling, one enters the octagonal auditorium, in which there are six chapels.
Highlights
The main altar was designed by Pietro Tacca to replace the wooden altar now on display in the Baptistery.
An aedicula with Corinthian columns and an arched pediment was built around the famous fresco.
The large dome was designed (with great difficulty) by Giorgio Vasari.
On either side of the main altar are the Cappella dell’Annunziata and the Cappella dell’Assunta, with paintings by Ludovico Buti, Francesco Morandini (nicknamed Poppi), and others.
The vestibule was painted by Giovan Domenico Piastrini in the early 18th century. The major theme is the miracle of the statue of Mary and the construction of the church itself.
In the sacristy, 17th century liturgical objects are preserved.