Basilica Santuario di Santa Rita da Cascia

The Basilica Shrine of Santa Rita da Cascia is a twentieth-century pilgrimage church dedicated to the Augustinian saint. Its Greek-cross plan, central dome and artworks by Italian artists of the mid-twentieth century give the basilica a distinctive architectural character.

Why it matters

Santa Rita died in 1457 and was canonised by Pope Leo XIII in 1900. The basilica was built to receive the devotion that grew around her cult; her body has rested here since 1947.

What to notice

The Greek-cross interior rises beneath a central dome and opens into four apses. Ten bas-reliefs on the travertine façade depict episodes from Rita's life. The dome was painted by Luigi Montanarini, while fresco cycles include works by Luigi Filocamo, Silvio Consadori, Gisberto Ceracchini and Ferruccio Ferrazzi. Giacomo Manzù created the bronze tabernacle, altar and crucifix; the stained glass is by Armando Marrocco. The 1930 urn containing the saint's body bears reliefs of the cardinal virtues.

Context and history

Mother Maria Teresa Fasce promoted the project, with engineer Spirito Maria Chiapetta coordinating its development. The first stone was laid on 20 June 1937. The basilica was consecrated on 18 May 1947, when Rita's body was placed in its urn, and Pope Pius XII raised it to the status of minor basilica in 1955.