Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

The long facade of the Church of St John the Baptist closes the south side of Piazza Libertà in Bassano del Grappa. Founded in 1308 as an oratory with a hospital, the church was radically rebuilt by architect Giovanni Miazzi in the eighteenth century and was restored after severe damage in the Second World War.

Why it matters

The church’s history follows the development of Piazza Libertà from an area beyond the Ezzelini moat into the civic centre of Bassano. Founded by Giacobino de’ Blasi, the church and its hospital served the poor and sick; the hospital remained in operation until the mid-fifteenth century. As the piazza grew, the church took on liturgical duties formerly performed by the pieve of Santa Maria in Colle.

What to notice

The facade has three principal sectors and a crowning row of statues by Antonio Bosa. Inside, the presbytery opens on the long southern side rather than at the end of the hall, the unusual arrangement resulting from Miazzi’s reconstruction within the confined site. The Chapel of the Sacrament was refitted in 1713 for the Remondini family and retains its Rococo stucco decoration. The church also contains a Baptism of Christ by Giovanni de Fondulis and a Saint John the Baptist by Giambattista Piazzetta.

Context and history

The church developed in stages: a Chapel of the Sacrament was added in 1397, followed by major rebuilding between 1452 and 1482 and a choir in 1489. Miazzi’s reconstruction began in 1747, resumed in 1782 and was completed toward the end of the century. The church was consecrated in 1847 by Zaccaria Bricito, Bishop of Udine and a native of Bassano. Bombing during the Second World War caused serious damage; after restoration, the church was reconsecrated in 1952.