sanctuary of santa maria della vita

Amazing terracotta full size 15th century statues THE COMPIANTO . Upstairs there is a museum and further life size terracotta works of art. There were also 2 x A4 sheets describing them IN ENGLISH. Out of all the places we visited this was only the second place we went to that had anything in English. Well done to all involved, a lovely interesting place, well worth a visit.

The life size terra cotta statues of the Lamentation by Niccola del Arco are unlike any sculptures I've seen. Very much one of the Renaissance humanist breakthroughs. The expressions - reputedly modeled from patients in the hospital - have an individualism and compassion that are well worth contemplating.

It's the sort of scenario that you expect in Roma, only it's in the middle of Bologna a few hundred yards from the Torre Asinelli, and its such a wonderful church! Tall and narrow like if it had to be squeezed between the other buildings in Via Clavature, it's one of Bologna's many (little-known) jewels.....

Is a small church but it really worth's the visit. Magnificent details, well preserved! Very nice to admire and reflect.

It's worth visiting this church for its two groups of terracotta sculptures. In a chapel in the main church is Niccolo dell'Arca's famous 'Lamentation over the Dead Christ'. The expressions on the faces of the participants are unusual and even shocking; certainly not what you would expect from a fifteenth century sculptor, and difficult to reconcile with the way this scene is typically portrayed.In the Oratory next door is Alfonso Lombardi's 'Death of the Virgin', which again presents an unusual perspective on a familiar story.

I followed their advices which were accurate. Stunning even after seeing so many top notch sculptures in the world. The groups sculptures are very unique as they are life sized and composes a story, as in many paintings., but very rarely as sculptures. truly 3 dimentional. One group with life sized people showing grief on the dead christ., another group in the Orator showing an angel landing to the dead Maria while Maria's followers protected her body from intruders.Not bad even compared with Benllili's work.

this is a smallish church but its unusual appeal is the group of terracotta statues. It was 14th century but the artist had expressed so much emotions on the faces of the statues that they almost look baroque in style. The artist was a few hundred years ahead of his time.style

We took the little train tour which took us to the sanctuary and it was worth it .We are not all that religious but once you go inside and tour it and approach the alter you can see how people can be moved and inspired by religion.

This church and museum are a "must see". They are fantastic and free. The sculpture work in the church and museum are unbelievably beautiful.

The church is a wonderful starting point before visiting the former hospital next door where "il Comipanto" takes the breath away

I saw the open door, and thought to just stop in and take a look. it took my breath away! Beautiful! I saw people moving upstairs and a very welcoming woman pulled me aside and said something in Italian which I couldn't understand. she took me to an elevator and brought me upstairs to see the terra cotta sculpture. I was totally amazed and surprised. it was very moving.

The Compianto, made of terracotta is impressive. The facial expression achieved by the artist is incredible. Look for the artist's signature on the pillow. There is a detailed English description of the Compianto mounted on the wall (it's huge, you cannot miss it) in the room which connects the church to the museum. The staff are quite pleasant. If you are here, do not miss l'Oratorio (follow the sign from the church to the museum). It is stunning. The structure dates to the early 17th century which is a remake of the original 15th century structure built between 1604 and 1617.Open: Tuesday - Sunday 10:00 - 19:00 Free admission

We had seen pictures of the dramatic wood carvings in this church and were anxious to. Actually see the. With poor tourist maps and passive tourist information office, we had trouble finding it. But we did. It was closed and looked like it might never open! No signs, no hours, no nothing. And this was not during the long lunch break. Now the memory of the pictures will have to suffice.

Having spent the last month in the UK and Ireland, where most of the churches are Anglican-influenced and stark, this church is an explosion of visual sensations. Only serendipity brought us to this church: after dinner just up the street we went for a stroll toward the Basilica of Saint Petronio. As we passed there was a crowd waiting to get in; on our return the doors were open and the crowd had entered...so we did too. It was a concert, the music as beautiful as the church. We had no idea of the statuary until we got back to our room and read up on it. Now we're extra-anxious to explore the other churches of Bologna.

The church isn't peculiar, but inside you can find a "Compianto" (Lamentation over the Dead Christ) that is a strong, expressionist, incredible middle age masterpiece