Chiesa  Di San Leonardo

Chiesa  Di San Leonardo

Bergamo, Italy

"Bergamo ... is a city in the alpine Lombardy region of northern Italy, approximately 40 km (25 mi) northeast of Milan, and about 30 km (19 mi) from Switzerland, 

"With a population of around 120,000, Bergamo is the fourth-largest city in Lombardy. 

"The city of Bergamo is composed of an old walled core, known as Città Alta("Upper Town"), nestled within a system of hills, and the modern expansion in the plains below. The upper town is encircled by massive Venetian defensive systems that are a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 9 July 2017.

"Bergamo is the second most visited city in Lombardy after Milan" (Link 1.)

Sanctuary and Altar

"The oldest church in lower Bergamo, was built at the beginning of the year one thousand, fairly contained internally. Although devoid of relevant works it contains four small altars and six beautiful affreschi.

Sanctuary Side Altar

"While we were "shooting" in the center of the lower city we found ourselves right in front of this church built in 1017 AD. 

"In 1171 the church became the property of the Crociferi and was used to accommodate sick and pilgrims until the mid 1600s, when the order was dissolved. 
At the end of the seventeenth century it became the Somaschi family who were the owners of the church until the end of the 18th century. At the beginning of the 19th century it was donated to the parish church dedicated to Saint Alexander and was made a subsidiary church.

Sanctuary Side Altar

"It is the oldest church in the city and is dedicated to the protector of prisoners. It is not easy to identify it. Inside a single nave with 4 small altars on both sides.... 6 beautiful frescoes on the ceiling, .

Church Sign

"Change of religious orders has been sold to the parish of St. Alexander at the beginning of the nineteenth century and became a subsidiary. Of the ancient church there are the fourteenth-century portal, the rose window from the fifteenth century and the side walled windows that were discovered during a restoration. The most recent interior preserves some paintings even if others were stolen in the past centuries. "(Link 2)

Church Poster
*****

Photos: Taken by RW  in Oct. 2018 with Iphone while travelling in Italy.

Link 1:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergamo
Link 2: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g187830-d5485546-Reviews-Chiesa_di_San_Leo

                                                                         Prayer

God, be with persecuted Christians throughout the world. Amen (SW.)