Santa Maria della Manna d'Oro
A historic church in Spoleto, now an exhibition center, featuring a remarkable 16th-century baptismal font and unique architecture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Santa Maria della Manna d'Oro
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church in Spoleto, now an exhibition center, featuring a remarkable 16th-century baptismal font and unique architecture.
"Must see in this beautiful town, a testament to historical art and architecture. "
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Spoleto is hilly; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the town and reaching the church. :athletic_shoe:
Check Exhibition Schedules
The church often hosts exhibitions. Check the schedule beforehand to make the most of your visit. :calendar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Baptismal Font
Inside the church
An exquisite 16th-century white stone font with eight bas-reliefs depicting scenes from Jesus' life.
1681 Marble Inscription
Above the door
A marble inscription marking the completion of the current structure in 1681, a testament to its historical significance.
Bernardino Lauri Monument
Recess above the door
Remains of a 16th-century sepulchral monument dedicated to Bishop Bernardino Lauri, adding a layer of historical depth.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Accessibility & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Spoleto is hilly; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the town and reaching the church. :athletic_shoe:
Check Exhibition Schedules
The church often hosts exhibitions. Check the schedule beforehand to make the most of your visit. :calendar:
Appreciate the Architecture
Note the blend of simple rectangular lower parts and the octagonal drum, showcasing different construction phases. :classical_building:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Spoleto is hilly; comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the town and reaching the church. :athletic_shoe:
Check Exhibition Schedules
The church often hosts exhibitions. Check the schedule beforehand to make the most of your visit. :calendar:
Appreciate the Architecture
Note the blend of simple rectangular lower parts and the octagonal drum, showcasing different construction phases. :classical_building:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the historical architecture and the significant artistic pieces within Santa Maria della Manna d'Oro, particularly the detailed baptismal font. Its use as an exhibition space is also noted as a positive, offering a dynamic cultural experience. However, reaching the church in Spoleto can be challenging due to the town's steep inclines.
"It was built by will and at the expense of the Municipality between the 16th and 17th centuries. The current state is the result of works completed in 1681, a date reproduced in marble inside, above the door.
Since the 1980s it has been used as an exhibition center. The lower part has a simple rectangular plan on the outside, probably dating back to the first phase of construction, made of dressed stone. The walls are divided by frames and pilasters. It is an essential and unadorned architecture, considered similar to the bell tower of the Cathedral, completed only a few years earlier by Giovan Pietro Cione di Taddeo. The upper part, an octagonal drum probably later. The foundations, under the Palazzo della Signoria, correspond to the Teatrino delle sei.
The church houses a large baptismal font, coming from the Cathedral, precisely from the Chapel of Bishop Eroli; it is decorated with eight bas-reliefs in white stone, representing scenes from the life of Jesus, from the Nativity to the Wedding at Cana; It can be dated to the first half of the 16th century. In a recess above the door you can see the remains of the 16th century sepulchral monument of Bernardino Lauri, bishop of Policastro who died in 1516."
Luca
"I visited it years ago when we went with friends to this beautiful town. Must see.👍"
Grazia Quattroni
""
Giovanni Cerrato
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Santa Maria della Manna d'Oro is located in the historic center of Spoleto. You can reach Spoleto by train from major Italian cities. Once in Spoleto, the church is within walking distance of the main piazza, though be prepared for uphill climbs as the town is built on a hillside.
Parking in the historic center of Spoleto is limited. It's best to use public parking lots located outside the ZTL (limited traffic zone) and walk or use the town's escalators and lifts to reach the upper parts of the city where the church is situated.
Spoleto has a system of escalators and lifts that connect the lower parts of the town to the historic center, making it easier to navigate the steep inclines. These can be very helpful in reaching the church.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Santa Maria della Manna d'Oro is generally free, as it is often used as an exhibition space. However, if there is a special exhibition, there might be an admission fee. It's advisable to check locally or online for current information.
Opening hours can vary, especially as the church is frequently used for events and exhibitions. It's recommended to check the official Spoleto tourism website or inquire locally for the most up-to-date hours.
While the church itself is on a single level inside, reaching it in Spoleto can be challenging due to the town's hilly nature. The town's escalators and lifts can assist, but some areas might still require navigating inclines.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Built between the 16th and 17th centuries, its current form was completed in 1681. It's noted for its essential, unadorned architecture, similar to the Cathedral's bell tower, and has served as an exhibition center since the 1980s.
The church houses a significant baptismal font from the Cathedral, featuring eight bas-reliefs from the first half of the 16th century depicting scenes from Jesus' life. You can also see the remains of a 16th-century sepulchral monument.
Yes, the church's architecture and the details of the baptismal font and monument offer excellent photographic opportunities. The surrounding Spoleto also provides stunning backdrops.
Guided tours might be available, especially if the church is part of a larger Spoleto historical tour. It's best to inquire with the local tourist information office or tour operators in Spoleto.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ Art & History Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
The building's history dates back to its construction by the Municipality between the 16th and 17th centuries, with the current state finalized in 1681, a date proudly displayed inside. Its foundations are believed to correspond to the Teatrino delle sei, situated beneath the Palazzo della Signoria, further embedding it within Spoleto's historical fabric.
Since the 1980s, the church has been repurposed as an exhibition center, a role that highlights its enduring appeal and adaptability. This function means visitors might encounter contemporary art installations alongside its historical features, offering a dynamic experience.
Artistic Treasures Within
Above the main door, a recess contains the remnants of a sepulchral monument belonging to Bernardino Lauri, a bishop of Policastro who passed away in 1516. Although fragmented, these remains offer a glimpse into the funerary art and historical figures associated with Spoleto during the Renaissance period.
These artistic elements, combined with the church's architectural features, make Santa Maria della Manna d'Oro a valuable site for appreciating historical art and religious artifacts within a repurposed sacred space.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit