Temple of Valadier in Genga

built in 1828 close to a huge cave

The Tempietto, commissioned by Pope Leo XII, was built in 1828, it is assumed on the basis of a project by Giuseppe Valadier.
The research carried out by other historians has brought to light the partial truth of this statement. The Tempietto was seen by Valadier and underwent revisions by the architect, but the latter does not appear to be the main author. The project, which underwent two phases of work, was first drawn up by Pietro Ghinelli, and then later by Zappata and by Carlo Donati of Spoleto. At the moment of the design of the temple Ghinelli was in contact with Valadier, who had the role of supervisor and adviser with the most experience, it is therefore possible to believe that Valadier influenced the architecture of the building.
Furthermore, the stylistic aspects of the temple recall the traditional neoclassical choices of Giuseppe Valadier, explaining the reference to the architect in the attribution of the work.

The plan of the church is octagonal, in travertine with a capped lead roof.
The peculiarity of the Tempietto is the way it interacts with the naturalness of the place, brushing the ceiling of the cave with its cover.
The church was conceived as a meeting place, refuge and penance for sinners, for atonement for their sins.

Text source:
Hidden assets. Documentation and cataloging of the small temple of Valadier in the Gola della Rossa, Genga October 2019
Conference: XVI Congreso Nacional de Profesores de Expresión Gráfica en Ingeniería, Arquitectura y Carereras fines : La representación gráfica de naturaleza técnica, 2019At: Argentina
Authors:
Daniele Calisi – Roma Tre University
Matteo Molinari – Roma Tre University