The foundation stone for the Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church in Brescia was laid in 1488. Between 1500 and 1566, the church was enlarged. In the 18th century, the dome was completed. Frescoes added in the same period were largely lost in bombings in 1945. The opulently decorated front of the church is particularly impressive.
Santa Maria dei Miracoli Church Brescia
Useful information
Address: Corso Martiri della Libertà, 32-36 – 25122 Brescia (tel. 0303754387). Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 08.00 to 12.00 and from 16.00 to 19.00; Entrance fee: Free of charge.
History and Description
The Chiesa di Santa Maria dei Miracoli replaced a private residence. In this house was a fresco of the “Madonna and Child”, to which miraculous powers were attributed. After a plague epidemic, which lasted from 1480 to 1484, the municipality decided to buy this house. In 1488 the foundation stone for the church was laid.
The church is considered among the masterpieces of Lombard sculpture. The marble facade is probably by the architect Sanmicheli.
This facade is graced with beautifully decorated pillars. In contrast, the upper part of the protiro is decorated with plant motifs and mythological figures.