🇮🇹 Exploring Brescia: Santa Maria del Carmine Church

📍 Destination: Chiesa di Santa Maria del Carmine | Brescia, Italy 🏰 A Gothic Masterpiece with Layers of History Founded in 1346 by Carmelite monks, this church mesmerizes with its: 🧱 Brick façade (1462) – Divided into four sections by terracotta pilasters, crowned with six delicate spires. Spot the hidden details: 🌙 Upper level: A 17th-century crescent window hiding remnants of the original 15th-century rose window. ☘️ Lower level: Clover-shaped windows with floral/lion motifs, radiating Renaissance vibes. ⛪ Central portal – Framed by a serene Madonna and Child relief (mystery artist!). 🌟 Architectural Symphony The magic continues along the 100-meter-long eastern side: ⛰️ Sawtooth-roofed chapels with terracotta spires, each separated by Gothic-style pilasters. Some still bear noble family crests—whispers of past patronage! 🎨 Interior Treasures Step inside to find: ✝️ Three soaring naves supported by ornate columns, leading to a deep choir. 🖼️ 7 vaulted chapels, including the Averoldi Chapel (1477) with: Frescoes by Foppa (Brescia’s Renaissance star). A 1429-1444 hidden St. Christopher painting (unfinished but stunningly detailed). 🌅 West wall: The oldest surviving fresco (1432) depicts St. Eligius’ miracles and an Annunciation scene. Fun fact: The church’s circular motifs echo alchemical symbols—like the Ouroboros (eternal cycle) we saw at Duomo Vecchio! 🔄 #ArtHistory #HiddenItaly #Brescia #GothicArchitecture #RenaissanceArt #TravelDeep #CulturalGem 🏛️🎨✨