Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita

Tucked in the heart of Bologna, Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita is more than just a church — it’s a place that carries centuries of history and emotion. Founded in the 13th century by a confraternity devoted to caring for the sick and poor, the site later took its Baroque form with its striking dome completed in the 18th century. What makes it truly unforgettable is Niccolò dell’Arca’s terracotta masterpiece, the Compianto sul Cristo Morto. The raw emotion in the life-size figures grieving over Christ is unlike anything I’ve seen — dramatic, human, and deeply moving. Between the church, the Oratory, and the small museum, you get a glimpse not only of breathtaking art but also of Bologna’s social and spiritual history. A must-stop for art lovers and anyone exploring the city’s rich heritage.

I'm not great with art but the statues are well worth paying to see. The emotion and expression isn't something that I expected from statues of that era. We had to wait to see the statues as a large group entered before us. However, I don't think that this is usual.

You can quite easily walk past this church but don’t. Although you need to pay to see certain parts and pieces of religious art it’s worth it.

A 16th century Baroque style church in the central of Bologna. There's small chapels on either side of the nave and there's a paid sculptural museum of Sorrow over Dead Christ by Niccolò dell'Arca, which I didn't visit as my time wouldn't allowed it.

8 euros entrance fee was worth it Beautiful masterpieces of art

Hidden away beside the altar of an unassuming church in Bologna's wonderful Quadrilatero food market is a spectacular group of life-size terracotta figures depicting the Lamentation Over The Dead Christ. Sculpted by Niccolò dell’Arca in 1463, the six figures gathered around the body of Christ include Mary Magdalene, the Madonna and the disciple John, all displaying the most intense and lifelike torment. The church of Santuario di Santa Maria della Vita (free entry) is beautiful too. The statues are well worth the entry price and a detour when visiting the Quadrilatero.

Free to enter, but you can pay €5 (€3 for students) to also see the statues hidden behind a big board. They're actually incredibly emotive. I honestly didn't expect much but was taken aback at the emotion I felt when I saw their faces. I think it's better in real life than the photos can capture. Incredible craftsmanship from hundreds of years ago, made from terracotta!

The church is open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00-19:00pm. The church costs €5 to enter all parts of the church but if you have a Bologna Welcome card which costs €25 you will get in free. The card gives entry to museums, churches, palaces etc. The church is worth a visit. It is a beautiful church.