Basilica della Consolata

Description:

• Construction on this church began in 1679 under Guarino Guarini. The foundations were laid on the site where the church of Saint Andrea previously stood with its hexagonal presbytery. After the death of Guarini, Juvarra designed the dome upon which Bortoloni's fresco was painted. The 11th century Romanesque tower belonged to the previous church and now sits on the right hand side of the Basilica's facade. The church is decorated with many valuable marbles, most of which were votive offerings. The impressive marble floor is one of the main talking points of this church. Next to the Basilica della Consolata stands a 25 meter high dedicatory column. A statue of the virgin Mary was placed on top in 1835 as a thank you to the Madonna for keeping at bay the dreaded plague which devastated Europe that year.
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