Basilica of San Savino, Piacenza

Sant Sabino's Basilica
Basilica di San Savino
Main façade of St. Savino's Basilica
Shown within Italy
Basic information
Location	Via Giulio Alberoni 31, Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Geographic coordinates	45°03′01″N 9°42′06″E / 45.0504°N 9.7016°E / 45.0504; 9.7016Coordinates: 45°03′01″N 9°42′06″E / 45.0504°N 9.7016°E / 45.0504; 9.7016
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
District	Diocese of Piacenza-Bobbio
State	Italy
Heritage designation	Minor basilica,[1] Parish
Completed	11th – 12th century

The Basilica of San Savino is an ancient Roman Catholic basilica in the city of Piacenza in the Province of Piacenza, Italy.

History

A church at the site was consecrated in 1107 to Saint Sabinus of Piacenza, second bishop of the city. It was built by bishop Sigifredo. The crypt of the church has 12th-century mosaics depicting the zodiac signs on a marine background. The presbytery has a contemporary mosaic showing battle scenes and a depiction of Christ.

In the 1500s, the church became property of the Hieronymite order, who reconstructed the church. In the 18th century, the church interior was decorated in a Rococo style, hiding much of the original Romanesque details. In 1721, the present facade was built. Among the works of art in the church is a wooden crucifix and frescos from the 12th century and a 15th-century fresco in the presbytery depicting an Enthroned Madonna and child.^[2]

In 1819, the hospice for "orphans and the exposed" (Ospizio degli Orfani ed Esposti) with 60 children was moved to the Girolamini monastery attached to San Savino. The hospice had been founded in 1573 by the then bishop, and run by the Somaschi order of Clerics Regular. They were affiliated with the parish church of San Stefano. The orphanage had been housed in the Convent of Sant'Anna.^[3]

References