With most of its walls and ceiling covered with frescoes, this church has earned the nickname the Sistine Chapel of Brescia.
Chiesa del Santissimo Corpo di Cristo, also known as the Church of St. Cristo, is a 15th-century church that is often compared to the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel because of the elaborate frescoes that cover almost all of its walls and ceiling. Examine the cycles of religious-themed frescoes, which depict biblical scenes and holy figures, including the Madonna with Child, the Twelve Apostles and the Crucifixion of Christ.
The church was originally part of a bigger Jesuit convent complex. Rather than being devoted to a single saint or religious figure, it is dedicated to the Eucharist (the body of Christ).
Before entering the church, pause outside to survey the façade. The Gothic style frontage, which features a single rose window, is rather simple and belies the extravagant and colorful interior.
Venture inside the nave to view the incredible array of frescoes, which appear to cover almost every inch of the walls and ceiling. The colorful frescoes, many of which date back to the 15th and 16th century, are in remarkably good condition thanks to a relatively recent restoration project.
Most notable among the frescoes is the series on the vaulted ceiling of the presbytery. Inspect the works, which are by northern Italian painter Benedetto da Marone. Marone took inspiration from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes when creating these. The images include depictions of the four evangelists and image of Christ.
Don’t leave without seeing the church’s Renaissance-era cloisters. Wander under the colonnade that leads around the leafy courtyard and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Find the Chiesa del Santissimo Corpo di Cristo in the historic center of Brescia, less than a 5-minute walk from the convent-museum of Santa Guilia. The church is usually uncrowded and tranquil so you can examine the famous frescoes in relative peace.
