HOLY MARY'S TIME OF CONSOLATION

This is the first sight that strikes the visitor as he approaches Todi. Situated away from the city walls, suspended above the colourful countryside, the Temple of the Consolation is a romantic and marvellous sight. Attributed to the great architect Bramante, who drew the plans (and several artists worked on it throughout the 16th century), it is one of the major works of the Renaissance in Umbria. Work began on 15 November 1508 (from a 15th-century chapel) and it took a hundred years to complete. Just restored, this masterpiece in blonde stone and Greek plan is topped by a superb dome supported by four polygonal apses.

The interior, sober and luminous, is decorated with twelve statues of apostles (16th century), sculpted by Hippolyte Scalza d'Orvietto, a worthy student of Michelangelo. In 1613 a sacristy was inserted on the north side, which was later demolished by the will of the people in 1862, after the unification of Italy, because it was considered not in harmony with the lines of the church. If you have the opportunity to visit it in September, on the eighth day of that month there is a feast dedicated to Santa Maria della Consolazione. It is a very important moment of meeting in the city of Todi. Religious ceremonies are organized in homage to the Nativity of the Virgin, as well as fairs, closed by a traditional fireworks in the evening. It is a beautiful moment of conviviality.