Basilica of Santa Maria dei Servi in Italy, resort of Bologna
Rating: 7,8/10 (3598 votes)  Santa Maria dei Servi is a Catholic basilica located in the city of Bologna. The basilica was founded as a Servite church in 1346. Andrea da Faenza became the architect of the church project. The status of a basilica was given to it by Pope Pius the Twelfth. The building was built in the shape of a Latin cross. The shallow apse was made in the form traditional for Italian Gothic architecture. The first architect died in 1396, after which the church remained unfinished for some time. The construction of the building was completed only in the 15th century, and proceeded in accordance with the original designs of the architect. The side limits and the central nave were separated by sturdy round columns. The columns themselves are red, and their base is a contrasting shade, which adds decorativeness to the rather modest decoration of the basilica. Window openings are visible under the Gothic vaults. Today the church houses a marble altar by Giovanni Angelo Montorsoli, 14th century frescoes by Vitale da Bologna, and an old organ, one of the best in Europe . The facade of the church was built in several stages, and during the whole period of construction it was never decorated. The building looks rather unpretentious, but the atrium and courtyard are a real decoration of the church.  
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