A sanctuary dedicated to the "Vergine della Misericordia" existed at the site, but because it was dilapidated and because the city had escaped sacking by the Imperial troops in 1527, the merchants in the commune decided to refurbish the church. It is also said that Spoleto merchants profited from trading with the imperial forces, hence the surname "manna of gold". It was built with an octagonal dome above a plain square base, and the interior space reflects the octagonal layout.