Gallery of the former Church of Santa Maria della Salute
A deconsecrated church of extraordinary architectural character, now serving as an exhibition space. Its heart-shaped plan and striped marble façade make it one of Viterbo’s most distinctive medieval structures.
At a glance
Built around 1320, this former oratory originally served a charitable shelter for women seeking redemption. Today it functions as a gallery, offering visitors a rare glimpse of fourteenth-century Viterbese ecclesiastical architecture divorced from its original religious context.
History
The church was erected at the behest of Maestro Fardo di Ugolino, a member of the notaries’ corporation and a man of considerable piety. He had already financed the construction of nearby houses to provide hospitality for women intending to reform their lives. Fardo’s remains lie within the church, marked by a simple plaque on the floor—a modest memorial to the patron who commissioned this architectural achievement.
What you see
The church’s design stands apart from other Viterbese buildings. Its rounded, heart-shaped plan is wholly original. The façade displays bands of alternating white and pink marble slabs, echoing the celebrated basilica of Santa Maria di Collemaggio in L’Aquila. The portal ranks among the finest fourteenth-century architectural gems in the region.
Inside, a frieze of geometric interwoven vines encloses fourteen compartments containing bas-reliefs depicting acts of mercy. Light enters through a large mullioned window in the apse, closed with onyx slabs, and two smaller windows set into the side walls. The interior now stands empty, allowing the architecture itself to command attention.
Cultural significance
Santa Maria della Salute represents a distinctive moment in medieval Viterbo, when architectural innovation served charitable purpose. The building’s unconventional form and decorative program reflect both the spiritual ambitions and humanistic concerns of its patron, bridging religious devotion with social welfare in the early Renaissance city.
Key facts
- Address: Via della Pescheria, 01100 Viterbo
- Coordinates: 42.41739757523331, 12.104465961456299
- Built: circa 1320
- Patron: Maestro Fardo di Ugolino
- Phone: 328 841 7497
- Website: https://www.archeotuscia.com/
Practical information
The gallery is currently deconsecrated and operates as an exhibition venue. Hours of operation and admission details are available through the official website or by phone. Visitors should confirm current opening times before visiting.
Getting there
The former church is located on Via della Pescheria in central Viterbo. For directions and public transport options, consult local transport services or mapping applications.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
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