Bologna Santa Maria della Pieta
Santa Maria della Pieta Photos
About Santa Maria della Pieta
Historically speaking a few religious orders played their hand in establishing this church such as the Cisterican, Olivetans and the Augustinian monks. However, on the 1st June 1600, Monsignor Alfonso Paleotti, the second archbishop of Bologna, laid the foundation stone for this building. It was finally completed in 1667. The church was elevated to the position of a parish church in 1816 by Cardinal Carlo Oppizzoni.
The plans reveal a fascinating scale of equilibrium geometrics. The central nave from the ground up read like a huge plan of triangular architectonics designed to reflect equal space all round with the exceptions of the front portico and the presbytery.
On this first altar on the right of the entrance is a painting by Bartolomeo Passarotti in 1570 showing St Orsla surrounded by virgins.
This second chapel has on display various reliquaries in gilded wooden and metal boxes, while others take the form of small works of art made by artisans.
In the 3rd chapel here is an 18th century oil painting by Ercole Braziani. Located initially in the church of Sant’Ignazio and transferred here some time later. It represents the death of San Francesco Regis.
This work of the crucifix was done by Domenico Mirandola in the mid 1600s.
Standing to the side of this next chapel is this tall and recently painted statue of the Madonna which dates to the 16th century.
This 1640 painting of the Annunciation of the Virgin is the work of Luigi Valesio who was a son of a Spanish soldier.
In the presbytery hanging on the wall is this famous painting by Guido Reni from 1616, which is in fact, a copy. It illustrates quite clearly the principle theme and name of this church, being Pity and Mercy. The original is hanging in the Pinacoteca Museum of Bologna. It shows the Madonna on the top half and various saints on the bottom half standing over the ancient city of Bologna. It was only returned to Bologna after Napoleon stole it and had it shipped off to Paris. Like many of the works of art here they are either substitutes or copies.
Going down the left hand aisle now is this painting from 1620 by Alessandro Tiarini and showing Sant’Eligio handing out alms to a poor man. Below it, in front of the altar is this presentation of terracotta statues of the Holy Family, again sympathising with the typical theme of Pity and Mercy. It’s the work of a Bolognese artist Claudia Cuzzeri.
Giovanni Andrea Donducci was responsible for this painting showing the Holy Family fleeing to Egypt. Below it is this rare picture of the Madonna which was actually located in a portico in Via Bigatti – a street nearby. It’s mostly hidden from view because the main body had deteriorated too much to be saved.
The original of this canvas of San Giobbe by Guido Reni in 1636, is still in Paris.
In this second last chapel Bartolomeo Cesi was responsible for this painting showing St Anna in front of a vision of the Virgin.
Finally, this last one showing the crucifixion is again by Bartolomeo Cesi dating to 1625. Under it though, is one of the few remaining original works of art in the form of polychrome terracotta by Giuseppe Mazza. This 17th century piece of art is also very valuable because it’s one of the few baroque sculptures to come out of Bologna.
The origins of this church actually arose out of a charity organisation. The Opera dei Mendicanti worked solely to alleviate the suffering of the poor in Bologna. Towards the end of 1566 this organisation established a base in San Vitale where by they could also teach young boys the vows of religion, grooming them therefore towards priesthood.