Tempio Civico della Beata Vergine Incoronata

The Tempio Civico della Beata Vergine Incoronata, also known as the Sanctuary of the Incoronata, is a jewel of Renaissance architecture nestled in the heart of Lodi, Italy. This magnificent church is not only a testament to the artistic and cultural zenith of the city during the 15th century but also a beacon of civic pride, as it has been under the municipality's ownership since its inception. The temple’s rich history and stunning works of art make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Lombardy region.

The Origins and History of the Sanctuary

The story of the Tempio Civico della Beata Vergine Incoronata begins in the latter half of the 15th century, a time when Lodi was flourishing artistically and culturally. The origins of the church are rooted in a series of miraculous events that reportedly took place in 1487. At the site where the church now stands, there was once a tavern frequented by prostitutes, with a 14th-century fresco of the Virgin Mary and Child on its exterior wall. On October 7, 1487, the fresco began to weep and perform miracles, according to numerous witnesses. This spurred the local faithful to call for the construction of a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The municipality and the prominent families of Lodi supported this initiative, commissioning the local architect Giovanni Battagio, a disciple of Bramante, to design the church. The foundation stone, bearing the emblem of Lodi, was laid on May 29, 1488. Battagio oversaw the construction for a year before passing the baton to Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono, who continued the work until 1493, adhering to Battagio's original design. The church was built with a central plan, featuring an octagonal dome and a matroneum, inspired by the sacristy of Santa Maria presso San Satiro in Milan, a project Battagio had previously worked on.

The church was consecrated in 1501, and over the years, it has been adorned with numerous works of art. The renowned painter Ambrogio Bergognone was commissioned to decorate the main altar chapel between 1497 and 1500, although many of his frescoes were later lost. The church’s interior decoration continued well into the 16th century, with contributions from artists such as Giovanni Della Chiesa, his son Matteo, and the Piazza family from Lodi.

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

The Tempio Civico della Beata Vergine Incoronata is an architectural masterpiece. Its octagonal design, crowned by an eight-segment dome with a lantern, is a striking example of Renaissance architecture. The exterior, completed largely by Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono, features a balustrade with columns and pinnacles, and the campanile, designed by Lorenzo Maggi, was added in 1503. The façade, finished in 1879 by Afrodisio Truzzi, adds to the church's grandeur.

Inside, the church is a treasure trove of art and decoration. The upper level features a matroneum with blue and gold columns, and the interior walls are adorned with frescoes, panels, and canvases from the late 15th to the early 19th centuries. Notable among these are the four panels by Bergognone, including The Annunciation and The Presentation at the Temple, which offer glimpses into the landscape and architecture of Lodi at the time.

The Dome and Niches

The dome's interior, painted by Enrico Scuri in 1840, depicts the triumphs of Lodi’s saints across its eight segments. The main entrance niche is decorated with scenes from the life of Abraham by Fulvio Piazza, and above the entrance door is The Epiphany, attributed to Callisto Piazza.

The organ niche, located to the right of the entrance, houses a richly decorated organ with paintings and golden carvings. The organ, originally built by Domenico da Lucca in 1507 and later refurbished by Giovanni Battista Chiesa in 1775, was restored in 1981 and remains a highlight of the church’s musical heritage.

Chapels and the Sacristy

The chapel of St. Paul features numerous works by Bergognone, including The Annunciation and The Visitation. The main altar, redesigned in the late 17th century, was consecrated in 1738 and includes a wooden choir carved by Carlo Lanzani and a Baroque altar housing the miraculous image of the Virgin Mary. The new sacristy, completed in 1744, is a masterpiece of Lombard Rococo, with frescoed ceilings and wooden furnishings by Antonio Rotta.

In 1988, to mark the 500th anniversary of the church's foundation, the Museo del tesoro dell'Incoronata was inaugurated, showcasing a collection of objects related to the church’s history. Today, the Tempio Civico della Beata Vergine Incoronata stands as a national monument, a testament to Lodi’s rich cultural heritage, and a beacon of artistic and architectural brilliance.