A serene High Renaissance church on a Greek-cross plan just outside Todi's walls, begun in 1508 and influenced by Bramante's designs for St Peter's. Its harmonious dome and four apses make it one of the masterpieces of Renaissance central-plan architecture.
Just below the walls of Todi, set apart on a grassy terrace with the Tiber valley as a backdrop, stands the Tempio di Santa Maria della Consolazione, a serene High Renaissance church that is one of the masterpieces of central-plan architecture in Italy. Begun in 1508 and built slowly over the following century, it was inspired by Bramante's contemporary designs for the new St Peter's in Rome, and a succession of architects worked on it; the original project is often linked to Cola da Caprarola, with later contributions associated with names such as Peruzzi, Sangallo and Vignola. The plan is a Greek cross with four apses of almost equal projection, three semicircular and one polygonal, so that the church looks almost identical from every side, crowned by a tall drum and dome. The pale travertine exterior, articulated with pilasters and topped by statues of the apostles, has a calm geometric clarity that rewards a slow walk around the whole building. Inside, the lofty, light-filled space beneath the dome is largely unadorned, focusing attention on the harmony of the proportions rather than on decoration, with a venerated image of the Madonna over the high altar. A visit typically takes thirty to forty-five minutes, including a circuit of the exterior, which is essential to appreciate the design. The church stands a short walk below Todi near the main car parks, making an easy addition to a visit to the hilltop town in southern Umbria. Morning light suits the pale stone, and the surrounding lawns offer the best vantage points for photographs of the dome against the valley.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open Wed-Mon with a midday closure (often closed Tue); confirm seasonal times |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Morning light on the pale travertine exterior |
| Getting there | A short walk below Todi's walls near the main car parks |
| Address | Viale della Consolazione, 06059 Todi PG, Italy |
Weather through the year in Umbria
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Umbria.
Location
Viale della Consolazione, 06059 Todi PG, Italy
42.7778, 12.4019 View on map
Highlights
- A near-symmetrical Greek-cross church with four apses and a tall dome
- High Renaissance design inspired by Bramante's St Peter's
- A pale travertine exterior crowned with statues of the apostles
- A light-filled, geometrically harmonious interior beneath the dome
- A grassy setting with valley views, ideal for photographs
Tips for visiting
- Entry is free; check opening days, as it often closes on Tuesdays and at midday
- Walk a full circuit of the exterior to appreciate the symmetrical design
- Come in the morning for the best light on the pale travertine
- It sits beside the main car parks, an easy stop entering or leaving Todi
- Dress modestly, as it is a consecrated church
When to visit
Morning light flatters the pale travertine and the dome against the valley. The setting is pleasant year-round, with spring and autumn the most comfortable; confirm hours before a special trip.
Accessibility
The church sits on a level terrace and the main entrance is largely step-free, making the interior reasonably accessible to wheelchair users, though the approach path and surrounding grounds have some uneven and sloping ground.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 45 minutes, including a walk around the exterior, which is essential to take in the symmetrical design.
Is there an entrance fee?
No, the church is free to enter, with donations welcomed; only the opening hours, which include a midday closure, need checking.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, the exterior and the surrounding lawns are freely photographed, and interior photography without flash is generally permitted.