Intervento di discussione

In the eighteenth century the urban shrine of St. Maria dei Miracoli – called “regal temple” for its political character – maintained its role as a reference point for civic religion and the needs of government and citizens. The Fabbriceria was reserved for nobles and laity and supervised both the adornment of the building and the overall organization of the religious ceremonies; the tenders provide very interesting data about that. The analysis of this case allows to highlight features of the ceremonies, which present some specific peculiarities and different outward expressions. I dwell upon certain ceremonies (the Forty Hours, sacred Cantatas, etc.) and their evolution, in order to show the intertwining of politics, religion and society.