Basilica di San Bernardino

The Basilica of San Bernardino in L'Aquila was built to preserve the remains of Bernardino of Siena, who died in the city in 1444. Its Renaissance facade introduces an interior enriched by a marble mausoleum, gilded woodwork and glazed terracotta.

Why it matters

Construction began in the fifteenth century, establishing a major centre of devotion to the Franciscan preacher. The church also records L'Aquila's history of rebuilding after earthquakes, with medieval and Renaissance art retained within later architectural campaigns.

What to notice

Cola dell'Amatrice's facade, begun in 1525, is organised into three horizontal orders. The saint's marble mausoleum is associated with Silvestro dell'Aquila and his workshop. Above the nave, Ferdinando Mosca's gilded coffered ceiling adds an eighteenth-century layer, while Andrea della Robbia's glazed terracotta altarpiece offers a contrasting sculptural medium.

Context and history

The fifteenth-century foundation was followed by Renaissance completion and major repairs after the earthquake of 1703. The earthquake of 2009 again damaged the church, including the apse and bell tower. Restoration allowed the nave to reopen in 2015, and work on the mausoleum culminated in the return of Bernardino's remains in 2017.