Basilica di Santa Cristina

Bolsena's Santa Cristina complex joins a Romanesque basilica, the chapel of the Eucharistic miracle and a rock-cut grotto. Its architecture and devotional art connect the cult of Saint Christina with one of medieval Italy's best-known Eucharistic traditions.

Why it matters

According to the sanctuary's account, a host bled during a priest's Mass here in 1263, staining the corporal and altar stones. The story became closely associated with Corpus Domini, the feast extended to the universal Church by Urban IV in 1264. The cult of Christina reaches back to the ancient cemetery beneath the complex.

What to notice

The Renaissance facade introduces an interior divided into a nave and aisles by reused ancient columns. Works associated with Benedetto Buglioni's terracotta workshop and a polyptych by Sano di Pietro enrich the church. The later chapel of the miracle contains Francesco Trevisani's painted account of the event. In the grotto, the altar and a stone traditionally bearing Christina's footprints preserve another focus of devotion.

Context and history

The present basilica has medieval origins and underwent later rebuilding and restoration. Its facade belongs to the Medici patronage of the late fifteenth century, while the new miracle chapel developed from the late seventeenth century. The corporal associated with the miracle went to Orvieto; the altar stones remained at Bolsena, linking the two towns through a shared religious tradition.