Sant'Agata Church, Brescia, Italy

A church at the site of Sant'Agata was present by the 8th century, when the neighborhood was located outside the city walls, but after the 1184 fire destroyed the ancient church, it was reconstructed in the 15th-century in Gothic style. Destruction by fire of this church was somewhat paradoxical, since Saint Agatha was the saint invoked for protection against fires. Further modifications were completed along the centuries, leading to a pastiche of styles. The incomplete 14th-century facade has a Renaissance architecture facade, decorated with Baroque statuary.

Inside, the presbytery dates from the 15th century, the ceiling from the 16th century, the altars and fresco decoration from the 1680s, and the chapel of the Santissimo Sacramento is from the 18th century. The main altarpiece depicting Sant'Agata with Saints Peter, Paul, Lucia, Apollonia standing before the cross (1522) is a masterwork by Francesco Prata from Caravaggio.

References:

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Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

mario visentini (2 years ago)
A jewel of Brescia history and faith, to visit

Luca Sperandio (2 years ago)
Beautiful Gothic church with an interior decorated in the Baroque style. Very beautiful are the frescoes painted on the walls and vaults of the single nave, as well as some altarpieces from the sixteenth century. The eighteenth-century chapel of the Blessed Sacrament is splendid, with paintings by Venetian authors (Pellegrini and Balestra). Recommended visit.

Pierluigi Dorici (2 years ago)
You enter and from the darkness it slowly reveals itself in all its composed magnificence ... there is not a single centimeter that is not frescoed and yet everything is light and harmonious ... at the end the eye rests on the great fifteenth-century fresco that dominates the presbytery and frames the beautiful altarpiece of S. Agata by Francesco Prata da Caravaggio. And then, after so much beauty, the desire to kneel and pray! Yes, because this Church, certainly among the most beautiful in Brescia, and beyond, invites you to recollect and meditate! Those who come to Brescia cannot ignore a visit!

Ali emily (3 years ago)
Particular church outside and full of artistic elements inside. In itself it is not huge, but it is very rich in detail. Super recommended. The Mrs. who takes care of the Church is really friendly and helpful.

antonello arteviaggi (3 years ago)
VI-VII century church of probable Lombard origins was rebuilt in the fifteenth century. Single nave plan with raised apse and covered by cross vaults. It underwent renovations both in the 18th century (Baroque period) and in the 19th century. there are numerous works of art.

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