Iperbole

Founded in the second half of the 13th century by the Confraternity of the Battuti (Flagellants) of S. Maria della Vita, the church is one of the first built in Italy under the influence of the Flagellant Movement, leaded by Raniero Fusani and flourished in Perugia in 1260. Besides the practice of flagellation, its members assisted the pilgrims and sick people in the nearby, but no more existing, hospital. The church – which is actually a sanctuary – was enlarged between 1454 and 1502 and rebuilt at the end of the 17th century by the architect G.B. Bergonzoni, after its ceiling collapsed in 1686. The dome was designed by Giuseppe Tubertini and built in 1787. Inside, the church displays an elegant elliptical plan and contains the famous sculptured group of the “Pietà”: carved by Nicolò dell'Arca in the second half of the 15th century, it is one of the most vigorous and expressive works of Italian Sculpture. The fresco of the Madonna della Vita on the main altar can be dated to the second half of the 14th century.

Chiesa di Santa Maria della Vita
Via Clavature, 10
40124 Bologna
tel. 051 236245