Church of Santa Maria della Consolazione

If you are planning to discover Altomonte, among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, do not miss a visit to the Church of Maria della Consolazione dating back to the 14th century: imposing, essential, elegant, a shining example of the Gothic-Angevin style.

Here you can admire the artistic mausoleum of Filippo Sangineto (who was lord of Altomonte), certainly among the most important sculptures in Calabria. All that remains then is to lose oneself in the alleys of the historical centre to find oneself in front of the church's splendid façade.

What immediately strikes you is the suggestive rose window above the archaic portal and the imposing bell tower. Upon entering, everything calls for prayer and recollection, and in its apparent simplicity the atmosphere is solemn. The church consists of one long nave with two side chapels. 

As you look around, you will notice the trussed ceiling, the pointed arches, single, double and triple lancet windows from which light filters in to allow you to admire the works of art that the church houses, and then dwell on precious details. Those of the historiated door dating back to 1588, the marble tomb slab of a young warrior or the 14th-century fresco in which, according to critics, Saint Mary of Consolation, to whom the church is dedicated, is depicted.

The noble chapel of the Princes of Bisignano, with a Baroque wooden altar and a statue of St. Michael the Archangel and, in the chapel on the right leading to the sacristy, the large 14th-century bell. The artistic mausoleum of Sangineto located in the choir, immediately after the high altar, is truly a work of art to be moved by.

The monumental tomb dates back to 1300 and houses the remains of Philip I, his son Roger and grandson Philip II. The three theological virtues are depicted on lion bases, supporting the sarcophagus. On the front and sides of the sarcophagus are carved in bas-relief the figures of saints in small arches with the Sangineto coat of arms on the tympanum. On the sarcophagus, the deceased warrior has been reproduced, together with his weapons, and two angels have been sculpted on the sides of the funeral bed. The sculpture of the Madonna with the child in the centre and two kneeling devotees is striking. The statues have robes painted red and blue.