Do you want to know the history and curiosities of the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi? It represents an incredible artwork in gothic style and a very important point for the citizens.
The history of the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi
The Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi is a splendid example of gothic art located in Strada Maggiore 43 in Bologna.
It was built with its convent in 1345, designed by Andrea Manfredi of Faenza. Later on, he was also called to collaborate with Antonio De Vincenzo for the construction of the church of San Petronio. In addition to the church, the Manfredi also expanded the monastery, designing the beautiful porch and the quadriportico with large Roman arches in Veronese marble.
The facade of the Basilica has a round front opening, intended for a rose window never completed. In front of it there is a quadriportico on which you can see traces of faded frescoes, including the “Stories of the life of Saint Philip Benizzi”. The outside of the apse, dating back to 1437, is a beautiful example of Gothic art, while the bell tower was built in 1453.
Let’s take a look inside together!
Inside the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi
Inside, the basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi has three naves divided by octagonal and circular columns. Its chapels are frescoed with masterpieces by the most important artists of Bologna, including Marcantonio Franceschini, Denis Calvaert, Luigi Crespi and Lippo di Dalmasio. The altar is made of marble, sculpted in the 16th century by Giovanni Montorsoli, while the marble tabernacle represents the risen Christ between the Virgin and John the Baptist.
The side chapels inside the church of Santa Maria dei Servi are shallow, but enriched with frescoes and works of art.
On the right side of the church you can see, in the first chapel, the work “The Virgin gives the habit to the seven holy founders of the order of the servants of Mary” by Franceschini of 1727. In addition, there is the most precious work of the whole basilica, a table called “Majesty” by Cimabue. This work depicts the Virgin Mary holding the baby Jesus in her arms, for the first time represented as a child and not as a wise philosopher. The Virgin has more soft traits and she is dressed with a special Islamic fabric.
The church was also elected Basilica in 1954 by Pope Pius XII.
If you want to know more about the difference between Basilica, Duomo and Cathedral I recommend reading Everything you need to know about the Basilica of San Petronio in Bologna.
Markets under the arcades of Santa Maria dei Servi
The basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi is also well known for the markets of Santa Lucia, which are held under the arcades during Christmas. The church and its market are also mentioned in the song of Francesco Guccini “Eskimo”, of 1978.
Let’s find out other curiosities!
The largest portico in Bologna
The portico of the Basilica is by far the largest in Bologna. It is so large that every year, for the feast of Santa Lucia, lots of Christmas banquets are set up. There you can find the typical sweets of the Bolognese tradition, a Christmas tree with children’s letters and objects of all kinds. Its construction took a long time: the works, in fact, began in 1393 and ended in 1855 with the quadriportico.
If you want to know more about the arcades of Bologna, do not miss the article The arcades of Bologna: UNESCO World Heritage.
The church in the film by Pasolini
Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi and portico were part of a scene in a film. It is “Edipo Re”, by Pierpaolo Pasolini. The scene depicts a poor old man walking under its porch.
The organ of the church of Santa Maria dei Servi
Inside the church of Santa Maria dei Servi we can find a musical chapel, which preserves the pipe organ Tamburini of 1968. Even today the organ is played and it is famous for being used in concerts of classical music, which are held periodically in the church of Santa Maria dei Servi.
The opening hours of the Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi
The Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi is open every day from 8.30 to 12 and from 16 to 19. Except Monday, open only in the morning.
Bibliography
- De Masi A., Metodologie per la conservazione e valorizzazione dei beni culturali: un caso di studio: le lunette staccate del portico di santa Maria dei servi, Roma, Editore Efesto, 2016.
- Fini M., Bologna sacra, tutte le chiese in due millenni di storia, Bologna, Pendragon, 2007.
- Nobili L., Il convento di santa Maria dei servi in Bologna, Quartu Sant’Elena, Nuova Alfa editoriale, 1992.
- Zucchino G.,, L’abside di santa Maria dei servi in Bologna, Venezia, Neri, 1909.
