Chiesa di Nostra Signora della Neve (Church of Our Lady of the Snows), La Spezia
The Church of Our Lady of the Snows (Chiesa della Madonna della Neve) is a striking neo-Romanesque structure, notable for its green and white striped fa莽ade, reminiscent of Florentine cathedrals. Though its design evokes Renaissance grandeur, the church was actually built in the 19th century and was completed in 1901. The fa莽ade is flanked by two small false bell towers, while a decorative prothyrum surrounds the main entrance, adorned with a mosaic of Our Lady of the Snows and intricate reliefs. The lunettes above the side portals feature mosaics of St. Francis de Sales and St. John Bosco, adding to the church鈥檚 artistic charm.
The interior of the church is equally captivating, featuring a three-aisled layout, divided by masonry pillars interspersed with red Verona marble columns adorned with Corinthian capitals. The coffered ceiling, painted deep blue with golden stars, adds a celestial ambiance to the space. The central nave walls are covered in Byzantine-inspired frescoes, while false women's galleries with elegantly crafted arches connect the side aisles. The apse and ambulatory, which encircle the main altar, create a harmonious and grand setting for worship.
Above the raised altar, a triumphal arch bears a Latin inscription dedicated to the Virgin Mary, invoking her protection over La Spezia. The pulpit, carved from light stone, is supported by red Verona marble columns, and the organ is prominently positioned on the counter-fa莽ade above the entrance portal.
Consecrated on April 27, 1901, the church became an official parish seat in 1910. A significant moment in its history came on November 9, 1952, when the image of the Virgin Mary housed within was solemnly crowned by authority of Pope Pius XII. The church remains a beloved place of worship and pilgrimage, known for its stunning architecture, rich artistic decorations, and deep spiritual significance.
The interior of the church is equally captivating, featuring a three-aisled layout, divided by masonry pillars interspersed with red Verona marble columns adorned with Corinthian capitals. The coffered ceiling, painted deep blue with golden stars, adds a celestial ambiance to the space. The central nave walls are covered in Byzantine-inspired frescoes, while false women's galleries with elegantly crafted arches connect the side aisles. The apse and ambulatory, which encircle the main altar, create a harmonious and grand setting for worship.
Above the raised altar, a triumphal arch bears a Latin inscription dedicated to the Virgin Mary, invoking her protection over La Spezia. The pulpit, carved from light stone, is supported by red Verona marble columns, and the organ is prominently positioned on the counter-fa莽ade above the entrance portal.
Consecrated on April 27, 1901, the church became an official parish seat in 1910. A significant moment in its history came on November 9, 1952, when the image of the Virgin Mary housed within was solemnly crowned by authority of Pope Pius XII. The church remains a beloved place of worship and pilgrimage, known for its stunning architecture, rich artistic decorations, and deep spiritual significance.
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Chiesa di Nostra Signora della Neve (Church of Our Lady of the Snows) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa di Nostra Signora della Neve (Church of Our Lady of the Snows)
Sight Location: La Spezia, Italy (See walking tours in La Spezia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: La Spezia, Italy (See walking tours in La Spezia)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in La Spezia, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in La Spezia
Creating your own self-guided walk in La Spezia is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
La Spezia Introduction Walking Tour
A short train hop from the famed coastal area of Cinque Terre, La Spezia is Liguria鈥檚 unsung hero. Tucked snugly between cliffs and the shimmering Ligurian Sea, it sits conveniently between Genoa and Pisa. Often passed over by the crowds, those who pause here are rewarded with a blend of historical intrigue, cultural flair, and mouthwatering seafood鈥攁ll served up against a backdrop of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles