The church of Madonna della Sbarra stands outside Panicale along the road descending towards the lake. It was built in 1625 to house a sacred image of the Virgin Mary discovered in the 16th century outside the village, at the location of the toll checkpoint. From the barrier or gate of that passage, the image was called Madonna della Sbarra, a name that was later also given to the temple. Commissioned by the citizens, the church is still maintained by the Municipality, which keeps its accounting books archived until 1860.
The brick facade with pietra serena stone framing is in Tuscan style. The church’s interior is divided into three naves and features a Baroque style.
Noteworthy is the central altar, covered in stuccoes and surmounted by four golden angels holding a pediment within which the ancient fresco of Mary is located.
The building houses a substantial collection of furnishings and sacred vestments, the result of devotion from the citizens of Panicale. The rich equipment was used to adorn the main altar and the four side altars during each liturgical period. There is also a wooden statue of the Madonna, adorned with robes in various colors to be used according to the liturgy.
Numerous chalices, patens, censers, boats, monstrances, and reliquaries are also present.
Information about Museum of Madonna della Sbarra
Via Roma,
06064 Panicale (Perugia)
0758379531
cultura@comune.panicale.pg.it
https://www.comune.panicale.pg.it
Source: MIBACT
