Basilica of Sant'Andrea, Mantua
Ludovico III Gonzaga commissioned the church in 1472 on a site occupied by an older Benedictine monastery. The bell tower from that earlier structure, dated to 1414, still stands today abutting the new façade. Leon Battista Alberti designed the exterior using the scheme of the ancient Arch of Trajan at Ancona. He built the walls largely from brick and covered them with hardened stucco for the surface finish. A large central arch dominates the front, flanked by Corinthian pilasters. Smaller openings appear to the right and left of this main arch. Alberti integrated a lower order of fluted Corinthian columns with a giant order of taller unfluted pilasters. This novel aspect combined two distinct architectural scales into one unified design. The entire structure is surmounted by a pediment and above that sits a vaulted structure. The purpose of this upper vault remains unknown but likely shaded the window opening behind it.
The building was only finished 328 years after its foundation in 1472. Construction more or less ended in 1494 during the initial phase. Lateral arms were added much later in 1597 along with the completion of the crypt. The massive dome took fifty years to build between 1732 and 1782. Filippo Juvarra designed this great dome that crowns the church today. Final decorations on the interior were added under Paolo Pozzo and others in the late 18th century. Lack of funds led to the barrel vault being constructed as simple rather than coffered. Alberti possibly planned for the vault to be coffered like the entrance. Painters then applied coffers directly onto the plain surface instead. Originally the building was planned without a transept and possibly even without a dome. These changes altered Alberti's original vision significantly over three centuries.
A vial believed to contain the Blood of Christ is brought up from the crypt below through a hole in the floor. This ritual occurs during the feast of Ascension when pilgrims gather at the basilica. The relic is called Preziosissimo Sangue di Cristo or Most Precious Blood of Christ. It is preserved inside Sacred Vessels within the church. According to tradition Roman centurion Longinus scooped up earth containing the blood at the foot of the cross. He brought it to Mantua where it has remained ever since. Holy Roman emperor Charlemagne obtained authentication of the relic from Pope Leo III in 804. This event resulted in the creation of the Diocese of Mantua. The relic was rediscovered around 1049 in the presence of Matilda of Tuscany. Pope Leo IX recognized this relic as authentic in 1053. Portions were extracted later by Charlemagne for transport to Paris and Rome.
One chapel houses the tomb of early Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna. A bronze figure of him stands there created by Gianmarco Cavalli. Mantegna's own Holy Family painting also resides in that same space. Frescoes by Giulio Romano's school appear throughout other chapels though one work is currently a copy. Correggio contributed significant artworks to the interior decoration scheme. Alberti broke with basilican tradition by having multiple chapels branch off the nave instead of lining it with aisles. Colonnades would block the view of ceremonies in the classic model so he chose this new layout. Five bells cast in the 19th century hang inside the bell tower today. They sound in the notes A, C sharp, E, F sharp, and A. Federico I Gonzaga Marquess of Mantua lies buried within these sacred walls alongside other family members.
The nave is roofed by a barrel vault used on such monumental scale since antiquity. It was probably modeled on the Basilica of Maxentius in Rome. Alberti possibly planned for the vault to be coffered but funds ran out. Painters applied coffers directly onto the plain surface instead of carving them into stone. Originally the building was planned without a transept and possibly even without a dome. Lateral arms were added much later in 1597 along with the completion of the crypt. The massive dome took fifty years to build between 1732 and 1782. Filippo Juvarra designed this great dome that crowns the church today. Final decorations on the interior were added under Paolo Pozzo and others in the late 18th century. These changes altered Alberti's original vision significantly over three centuries.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
Who commissioned the Basilica of Sant'Andrea in Mantua and when was it built?
Ludovico III Gonzaga commissioned the church in 1472 on a site occupied by an older Benedictine monastery. Construction more or less ended in 1494 during the initial phase.
What architectural design did Leon Battista Alberti use for the exterior of the Basilica of Sant'Andrea?
Leon Battista Alberti designed the exterior using the scheme of the ancient Arch of Trajan at Ancona. He integrated a lower order of fluted Corinthian columns with a giant order of taller unfluted pilasters to combine two distinct architectural scales into one unified design.
When was the massive dome of the Basilica of Sant'Andrea constructed and who designed it?
The massive dome took fifty years to build between 1732 and 1782. Filippo Juvarra designed this great dome that crowns the church today.
How old is the relic known as the Most Precious Blood of Christ found in the Basilica of Sant'Andrea?
According to tradition Roman centurion Longinus scooped up earth containing the blood at the foot of the cross and brought it to Mantua where it has remained ever since. Pope Leo IX recognized this relic as authentic in 1053 after it was rediscovered around 1049 in the presence of Matilda of Tuscany.
Which famous Renaissance painter is buried inside the Basilica of Sant'Andrea and what artwork does he have there?
One chapel houses the tomb of early Renaissance painter Andrea Mantegna alongside a bronze figure of him created by Gianmarco Cavalli. Mantegna's own Holy Family painting also resides in that same space.