Deconsecrated church used as an exhibition site in Viterbo.
The Church of Santa Maria della Salute was built around 1320 to serve as an oratory for a pious shelter that stood nearby on the Via di Valle Piatta.
It arose at the behest of Maestro Fardo di Ugolino, belonging to the corporation of notaries, a very pious man who had already financed the construction of some houses to give hospitality to prostitutes who intended to redeem themselves.
Its architecture is not found in other churches in the city. Its rounded shape, which recalls that of a heart, is original, while the façade is very beautiful, animated by a band of alternating white and pink marble slabs that recalls the façade of the basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio dell'Aquila. The splendid portal is rightly considered an architectural gem of the fourteenth century.
The decoration is original, a frieze with geometric interweaving, formed by the crossing of two branches of vines, encloses in fourteen compartments, bas-reliefs depicting the works of mercy. The interior of the church, currently completely empty, is illuminated by a large window in the apse, a mullioned window closed by onyx slabs, and two small windows on the side walls. Maestro Fardo who wanted to build the church is buried inside, a rough plaque on the floor indicates the place. (Angelo M. Ambrosini) Source: viterboinrete.it
Gallery of the former Church of Santa Maria della Salute
Address: Via della Pescheria, 01100
Phone: 328 841 7497
Site:
https://www.archeotuscia.com/Location inserted by
Giuseppe Salerno