Chiesa di San Filippo Neri (Church of San Filippo Neri), Perugia

The Church of San Filippo Neri, also referred to as the Church of the Immaculate Conception or the New Church, stands as one of Perugia’s most significant Baroque landmarks. Nestled in the heart of the historic district near the intersection of Via dei Priori, Via della Cupa, and Via della Stella in the Porta Santa Susanna area, the church epitomizes 17th-century Counter-Reformation architecture. Constructed between 1627 and 1665, the design was masterminded by the renowned Roman architect Paolo Maruscelli, celebrated for his work on religious complexes.

The façade, built from 1647 to 1663 in travertine, reflects the Counter-Reformation style inspired by Roman models like Vignola’s. Its two tiers feature Corinthian pilasters, niches, volutes, and a tympanum, once adorned with the Degli Oddi coat of arms, later erased during the Napoleonic era. A dual-flight staircase with a balustrade adds grandeur, while the side façade on Via dei Priori, with exposed brickwork, showcases a simpler elegance with infilled arches and subtle moldings.

The church's interior delivers a breathtaking Baroque experience, with a soaring spatial design that culminates in the dome and apse, adorned with illusionistic frescoes. The richly decorated walls feature 17th- and 18th-century canvases and frescoes centered on the Marian cult, enhancing its spiritual ambiance.

Designed with a single nave, the interior layout aligns with the Counter-Reformation principles to foster meditation and amplify acoustics, mirroring the architectural philosophy of Rome’s Chiesa Nuova, the prototype of Philippine churches.

Overlooking Baldassarre Ferri Square, the Church of San Filippo Neri stands as a testament to Perugia’s Baroque heritage and the artistic and spiritual aspirations of its era. It remains a focal point of Marian devotion and architectural wonder in the city's historic landscape.