Chiesa della Disciplina

Built by the Maffei counts beside their palace.

In 1499, Count Giorgio Maffei donated it to the Confraternity of the Disciplinati, who expanded and renovated it in its current Baroque forms between the mid-17th century and 1779, while still maintaining the original 15th-century structure, which was used as a meeting hall.

The Church of the Discipline is now owned by the Parish of Saints Peter and Paul Apostles in Villafranca. The building features a gabled facade in Baroque style. The floor plan consists of a single large rectangular hall, with a shallow presbytery protected by a balustrade.

The interior of the church, characterized by sober and essential lines, is marked by the rich marble decoration of the high altar, set within a scenic decoration at the center of the back wall; it houses the altarpiece created by Orazio Farinati depicting the "Visitation of the Madonna to St. Elizabeth, with Saints Joseph and Zechariah." The roof is covered with two slopes supported by visible wooden trusses, traditional secondary framework, and a covering of clay tiles; the presbytery area is covered by a barrel vault in plastered cane.

The internal flooring is made of shaped terracotta-colored concrete tiles.

15th century (origin and construction of the entire asset) The Church of the Visitation (or of the Discipline) was built during the 15th century by Count Giorgio Maffei next to the family palace.

1499 (transfer of ownership general character) In 1499, the building owned by the Maffei counts was donated to the Venerable Confraternity of the Disciplinati.

17th century - 1779 (expansion and renewal of the entire asset) Between the second half of the 17th century and 1779, the church was expanded and renovated in its current Baroque forms (the event is commemorated by an inscription fixed in the sacristy). The original building (arched and of 15th-century layout), located beyond the current presbytery, was maintained and used by the Disciplinati as a meeting hall.

2002 (facade restoration) The restoration of the church facade dates back to 2002.

2008 (restoration of fresco decorations in the meeting hall) The restoration of the frescoed walls of the meeting hall dates back to 2008.

(source: beweb.chiesacattolica.it)