The Tempio della Beata Vergine della Ghiara, or Temple of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara, also known as Basilica della Madonna della Ghiara, is a stunning church located in the city of Reggio Emilia, in northern Italy. One of the many lovely architectural gems in this lesser-known and lesser-celebrated Italian cities, it is one more reason to find a holiday rental in Emilia-Romagna and head on a day trip to this charming town.
In 1596, a mute boy is said to have recovered his voice before a 14th-century representation of the Virgin painted on a gravel wall (or “ghiara” in italian) by artist Lelio Orsi and when news of the miracle spread, it began to attract lots of pilgrims. As a result, it was decided to erect a basilica on the site, into which the votive fresco was moved.
In 1596, a mute boy is said to have recovered his voice before a 14th-century representation of the Virgin painted on a gravel wall (or “ghiara” in italian) by artist Lelio Orsi and when news of the miracle spread, it began to attract lots of pilgrims. As a result, it was decided to erect a basilica on the site, into which the votive fresco was moved.
Building of the basilica was begun in 1597 under bishop Claudio Rangone, with the support of Duke Alfonso II d'Este and Duchess Margherita Gonzaga, according to the plans of local architect and sculptor Francesco Pacchioni and it was consecrated on May 12, 1619. Built on a Greek cross plan with a soaring dome surmounted by a lantern at the centre, which is orbited by four smaller domes that are not actually visible from the exterior.
On the façade there are Doric columns on the lower register and Ionic on the upper, built in laterite, with white Veronese marble insets and the central portal has a marble bas-relief portraying the Vergine della Ghiara. The interior is rich and Late Renaissance in style, with gilded decorations, marbles, large frescoes by the Carracci school covering the domes and the vaults, a ceiling by Alessandro Tiarini that is considered his masterpiece, dome frescoes by Lionello Spada, canvases by Pier Martire Armani, Pietro Desani and Michele Mattei, and many other artworks, frescoes and altarpieces by other famous and named artists.
An absolutely beautiful gilded jewellery box, filled with artistic treasures, this stunning church is an unexpected gem.
On the façade there are Doric columns on the lower register and Ionic on the upper, built in laterite, with white Veronese marble insets and the central portal has a marble bas-relief portraying the Vergine della Ghiara. The interior is rich and Late Renaissance in style, with gilded decorations, marbles, large frescoes by the Carracci school covering the domes and the vaults, a ceiling by Alessandro Tiarini that is considered his masterpiece, dome frescoes by Lionello Spada, canvases by Pier Martire Armani, Pietro Desani and Michele Mattei, and many other artworks, frescoes and altarpieces by other famous and named artists.
An absolutely beautiful gilded jewellery box, filled with artistic treasures, this stunning church is an unexpected gem.
Photo credits
Picture 1: Paolo da Reggio / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Paolo da Reggio / CC BY-SA 3.0