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The Church of Our Lady of Consolation in Collepardo: stories and secrets of a salvaged church
At the entrance to the village, the Chiesa della Consolazione (Church of Our Lady of Consolation) of Collepardo is a place that came close to disappearing entirely. Once situated outside the town walls, it is today a space rich in stories, among them that of the painter Filippo Balbi, a guest at the nearby Certosa di Trisulti (Trisulti Charterhouse), who left one of his works here. Following a partial collapse and a lengthy restoration, it has come back to life, revealing small but fascinating secrets.
A façade that tells a story
On the façade is the inscription "Virgini Consolationis Dicatum", but a clue about the building's construction is found on the portal: the vertical inscription "Mater Consolationis" points to the reuse of salvaged stones — a small secret hidden in plain sight. A historical document, moreover, attests to the church's existence as far back as 1688.
Canvases, benefactors and a choir loft
Inside, on the left, is the Immaculate Conception by Filippo Balbi, painted in 1877. Opposite hangs a canvas from 1546 depicting St Joseph with the Christ Child. It is worth noting, however, that the inscription on this work is not the painter's signature, but rather reveals the name of the benefactor, Pietro Antonio Poponi. Above the entrance, the wooden choir loft catches the eye.
From collapse to rebirth
Closed for years after the roof collapsed in 2003, restoration work was completed in 2022, and the church returned to the community. Original furnishings were also recovered during the works, among them the "tabule ebdomadarie" — the weekly duty rosters of the confraternity members. The church bell was also recovered, and is now kept safe in the nearby church of San Rocco (St Roch).
Owned by the municipality, the church today hosts cultural events. For a visit, it is advisable to check for special opening dates with the Municipality of Collepardo.
