Basilica di San Domenico

In 1219, Reginald of Orleans moved his small community of monks to San Nicole della Vigne. They were followers of Domenico Guzman, the founder of the Dominican Order of preaching monks. The Basilica di San Domenico stands on the land where the community lived. They were privileged to have had Domenico Guzman himself visit them in 1221. Before his death, he made the place central to the activities of their order.

The creation of the Basilica and the convent were at the behest of Domenico Guzman before his death on August 4, 1221. He was canonized twelve years after his death. Saint Dominic became the patron saint of astronomers, scientists and those falsely accused. His tomb is the centerpiece in a magnificent piece of architecture and is a true work of art. It took five centuries to complete. The work began in the 13th century and was completed only in the 18th century. Niccolo Pisano, who was given the nickname Niccolo dell’Arca after this masterpiece, created his coffin.

Niccolo Pisano was not the only artisan to work on this magnificent church. The young Michelangelo leant a hand as well. The angel candleholder on the right of the altar seems to have been the forerunner of his later masterpiece, David. A friar and sculptor by the name of Guglielmo Agnelli worked with Pisano to create the marble reliefs of the tomb. Alfonso Lombardi also assisted with the creation of the saint’s tomb.

Another friar, Damiano da Bergamo, beginning in 1541, beautifully carved the choir stalls. Damiano Zambelli did the intarsia inlay of the left wing of the choir while Stefano da Bergamo did the carvings. Friar Bernardino da Bologna did the finishing in 1551.

The Rosary Chapel or Cappella del Rosario as it is called is an amazing section of the basilica. Like most of basilica, modifications and restorations have been done here. The nail head of the chapel is quite a sight. It is said to have been crafted in 1460.

Floriano Ambrosini created the altar in 1589. Pio Angel did the stucco decorations of the cornice and the statues over the altar. The wood on the organs on the other hand were crafted by C.F. Dotti in 1737. It is said that Mozart actually played the organ here in the basilica.

The basilica is a treasure trove of art. The walls are covered in the beautiful works of artists. Among these are the following: Mystical Wedding of St. Catherine by Filippino Lippi, Crucifix by Giunta Pisano, The 15 mysteries of the Holy Rosary — a collection of paintings done by Calvart, Cesi, L.Carracci, Reni, Albani, Domenichino and L.Fontana.

The exterior has not been neglected. There is a statue of Saint Dominic created by Guido Reni in 1627 and one of the Madonna created in 1632 by Giulio Cesare Conventi. There are also two tombs - that of Rolandino de'Passeggeri and Egidio de'Foscherari. They were known as Glossatori or masters of Roman law.

The Basilica di San Domenico is not just a place of worship it is an example of the beauty that the artisans of Italy can create. It is the work of centuries and a true masterpiece. It is definitely a place that visitors to Bologna must not miss.

Address: Piazza San Domenico 13, Bologna, Italy
Cost of Entry: Free
Opening Hours: 9.30am-1pm & 3-6pm Tue-Sat, 3-5.30pm Sun