Basilica of San Savino in Piacenza, Italy
Introduction
The Basilica of San Savino, a Catholic church located in Piacenza, Italy, is dedicated to Saint Savino, the second bishop of the city, who succeeded Saint Victor. Saint Savino’s remains are preserved within the main altar, making the church a significant site for religious pilgrims and visitors alike. The basilica holds the esteemed title of a minor basilica, a designation that highlights its historical, architectural, and religious importance. Over the centuries, the church has served as a central place of worship, reflecting the rich religious heritage of Piacenza and the veneration of its early bishops. The structure itself showcases beautiful architectural elements and serves as a key landmark within the city, attracting both local worshippers and tourists.
History of Basilica of San Savino in Piacenza, Italy
The first religious building constructed on the site of the Basilica of San Savino dates back to the 4th century AD. It was a basilica built under the orders of Saint Savino, consecrated to the twelve apostles, and situated just outside the Roman castrum walls in an area that had served as a necropolis since the Augustan era. After Saint Savino’s death in 420, his successor, Bishop Mauro, arranged for his burial within the basilica, which was later dedicated to Saint Savino. However, the church was destroyed between 899 and 902 during the Hungarian invasions in Italy.
Reconstruction efforts began in 903, led by Bishop Everardo of Piacenza, placing the church in a more central location within the city walls. Unfortunately, a second Hungarian raid in 924 razed the church once more. By around 1000, reconstruction began again under Bishop Sigifredo, who also built a Benedictine monastery next to the church. The final consecration of this new building took place on October 15, 1107, by Bishop Aldo, and a crypt adorned with mosaics was also constructed at this time. Further modifications to the church occurred in 1278, although the specifics of these changes remain unclear.
In the 15th century, the church became a commendation, and in 1495, following the decline of the Benedictines, the Hieronymite monks took control and carried out significant renovations. During these renovations in 1509, the relics of Saint Savino were discovered within the main altar. In 1579, Pope Gregory XIII granted the English College of Rome a portion of the church’s assets, which had originally been assigned to the Hieronymites.
By the 17th century, the church underwent several modifications, including the demolition of the main apse in 1631 and the addition of Baroque elements such as chapels and decorative stuccos. A new Baroque-style façade was completed in 1721, and the altar housing the relics of Saint Savino was moved to the upper presbytery in 1707. In the 20th century, under Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, restoration work was undertaken to return the church to its original Romanesque appearance, including the recovery of frescoes from the 14th century and the reconstruction of the apses and windows to their pre-18th-century design.
From 2004 onward, the church underwent a series of restoration efforts led by architect Carlo Beltrami. The first phase focused on repairing the basilica’s roof, followed by the installation of a new lighting system. In 2006, the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal was restored, revealing valuable 17th-century frescoes by Giovanni Evangelista Draghi. Further renovations were carried out on the rectory and oratory building between 2006 and 2007, ensuring the preservation of the basilica’s historical and artistic heritage.
Architecture of Basilica of San Savino in Piacenza, Italy
Exterior Description
The Basilica of San Savino is distinguished by its Baroque-style façade, completed in 1721 by architect Andrea Galluzzi. This façade replaced the original Romanesque design and is divided into three levels separated by projecting cornices. The lower level features a portico with round arches resting on twin marble columns adorned with Tuscan capitals. The spaces between these arches are embellished with sculptures of the four evangelists, placed in oval-shaped niches, dating back to around 1710.
The middle segment of the façade is separated into three sections by twin pilasters with Corinthian capitals, each segment containing a rectangular window. The upper section culminates in a central sail, decorated with twin pilasters, and flanked by two pinnacles. A statue of Saint Savino stands in a niche at the center of the sail. Elements of the original Romanesque façade, such as a capital with a six-lobed ring decoration, can still be seen on either side of the entrance portals. The bell tower, located to the right of the apse, is square-shaped and divided into four levels by string courses, with the cell featuring round-arched mullioned windows on all four sides.
Interior of the Basilica
The basilica follows a basilica plan with three naves, separated by a series of marble pillars. Smaller pillars alternate with larger ones, the latter supporting the cross vault of the main nave. The capitals of the pillars are decorated with geometric shapes and fantastic animals. Both the main and lateral naves have cross vaults, with the central nave comprising three bays and the smaller lateral naves containing six bays.
At the end of the main nave stands the choir, featuring a barrel vault that culminates in a semicircular-shaped apse. This apse is vaulted with a hemi-dome and includes a single-lancet window. A second semicircular apse is located at the end of the left nave, while the right apse was replaced by the bell tower, leaving only traces of the original structure.
Above the main altar, crafted in the 18th century from black marble based on a design by Alessandro Reni and decorated with bronze ornaments by Giuseppe Filiberti, hangs a wooden crucifix from the early 12th century. The crypt, accessed via a staircase in the third span of the main nave, consists of eight cross-vaulted spans supported by 18 small columns with Romanesque-style capitals. Within the crypt are sculptures of four saints created in 1481, showing influences from the school of Amadeo, as well as mosaics representing the signs of the zodiac. A mosaic in the presbytery depicts scenes of fighting, a chess game, and Christ, along with an image of Saint Charles Borromeo in a spandrel.
The basilica also houses a pipe organ built in 1863 by the Pavia organ builders Lingiardi. The instrument was later enlarged and electrified between 1942 and 1943 by the Tamburini company, and it was restored in 2004 with the help of the Banca di Piacenza.
Feast Day
Feast Day : 11 December
The Feast Day of Saint Savino of Piacenza is celebrated on December 11th to honor the second bishop of Piacenza, known for his strong faith and leadership in the early Christian community. Saint Savino played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in the region, and his relics are preserved in the Basilica of San Savino. On this day, the faithful gather for Mass and prayers to reflect on his life of devotion and service. His feast day serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, humility, and commitment to the Christian path.
Church Mass Timing
Yet to Update
Church Opening Time:
Monday : 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Tuesday : 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday : 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Thursday : 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Friday : 9:30 am – 12:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Saturday : 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday : 9:00 am – 10:30 am, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Contact Info
Address :
Via Giulio Alberoni, 35, 29121 Piacenza PC, Italy
Phone : +3905231901233
Accommodations
Connectivities
Airway
Giuseppe Verdi Airport to Basilica of San Savino in Piacenza, Italy distance between 51 min (66.4 km) via A1/E35.
Railway
Piacenza Railway Station to Basilica of San Savino in Piacenza, Italy distance between 4 min (1.4 km) via SS 10 Padana Inferiore/SS 9 Via Emilia and Via Roma.