Construction of the Santa Maria del Carmine Church in Brescia began in 1429. It took fifty years to complete the church. The most striking feature of this 75 meter long church are the pinnacles on its façade. The three cloisters next to the church are now the seat of the Library of the University of the city.
Santa Maria Del Carmine Church Brescia
Useful information
Address: Contrada del Carmine, 5/Vicolo Manzone, 7 – 25122 Brescia (tel. +39 03040807). Opening hours: Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00. Closed: Monday to Thursday. Entrance fee: Free of charge.
History and description
The first version of the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine was built in the 14th century. The portal was added toward the end of the 15th century. Most of the frescoes in the church were painted during the same era.
What to see
The highlight of the church is the 3rd chapel on the right, known as the Averoldi Chapel, which was decorated with ceiling paintings by Vincenzo Foppa.
The Cappella de Rosis is located in the rear of the left nave. Here there is a group of ten life-size statues, which together depict the “Mourning for the Dead Christ.” The group of statues dates from the first half of the 16th century.
The 15th century portal consists of two doors separated by a pillar. There are both Gothic and Renaissance elements. The lunette contains an “Annunciation” by Floriano Ferramola, painted in 1518.
The entrance to the three cloisters of the former Carmelite convent is in the Vicolo dell’Anguillara, 8. The smallest dates from the 15th century and is on the west side of the church. The other two are on the east side. The Chiostro Maggiore, built in 1478, contains a 16th century fountain. The southern cloister was built in 15221, and restored in the 18th century.