Basilica of San Domenico

The Patriarchal Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna represents a fundamental pillar both for the city and for the history of Italian art and religious architecture. Initially built between 1221 and 1240, this basilica has undergone numerous transformations and expansions that reflect its growing importance as a center of worship and art. Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers, died in Bologna in 1221. His remains were initially placed in a simple marble sarcophagus behind the altar of the side chapel. However, in 1234, after his canonization, it was decided to build a more suitable monument to house the saint’s relics. This monument, known as the Ark of Saint Dominic, was initially created by Nicola Pisano in 1267, with subsequent additions by artists such as Niccolò dell’Arca and the young Michelangelo Buonarroti. The Ark of Saint Dominic is one of the masterpieces of medieval and Renaissance sculpture, a monument that encapsulates centuries of artistic history. The marble sarcophagus is decorated with six panels depicting significant episodes from the saint’s life, including the resurrection of Napoleone Orsini and the preaching against the Cathars in France. The top of the Ark is enriched with statues of saints and angels, including works by Michelangelo such as the Angel with the Candlestick. The Basilica itself, with its brick facade typical of mendicant orders and the large central rose window, reflects a sober yet imposing architecture. The interior of the church is a triumph of Baroque, thanks to the renovations of the 17th century by the architect Carlo Francesco Dotti, who redefined its proportions and elegance. The side chapels are richly decorated with frescoes and works of art by artists such as Ludovico Carracci, Guido Reni, and Filippino Lippi. The Chapel of the Rosary, in particular, is known for its magnificence and the works of art it houses. One of the most fascinating elements of the Basilica of San Domenico is the 16th-century wooden choir, located behind the high altar. This choir consists of 102 stalls, each finely inlaid with biblical figures, an extraordinary work attributed to a Dominican friar and his brother. Each panel tells stories from the Old and New Testament, offering an incredible example of Renaissance art. The museum of the Basilica, inaugurated in 1956, houses a vast collection of relics and sacred ornaments, as well as works by important painters and sculptors such as Guercino and Ludovico Carracci. This museum is located between the sacristy and the choir, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the religious and artistic history of the basilica.