Église Saint-Blaise et Campanile

English translation

The text above is the record as published by the Ministère de la Culture, in French. The English below is a machine translation made by TreeAlive, not by the Ministère de la Culture; it has not been checked by a person. Where the two differ, the original is the record. Report a translation error: privacy@treealive.com

History

In 1589, the earlier building having become too narrow to accommodate all the faithful, it was decided to proceed with its enlargement. In the 17th century, the increase in population led to the construction of a new building. The plans were executed by the Milanese architect Domenico Baïna. Work began in 1691, and opening for worship took place in 1707. In 1752, Pope Benedict XV authorised the establishment of a collegiate chapter of canons, suppressed in 1790, then re-established in 1794. The collegiate disappeared entirely in the 19th century. This Baroque building has a main façade with two levels separated by a thick cornice, and topped with a triangular pediment. The side walls are supported by six pilasters. Four concave niches and a window animate the main façade, punctuated with pilasters and pierced with three doors opening onto three naves separated by square pilasters. The central nave ends with a choir enclosed by a balustrade executed by the Genoese sculptor Domenico Solani. The central nave is topped with a vault decorated with frescoes painted by Bernardino Pardini in 1722. The side naves, onto which open altars topped with large retables, end with two small apses covered with tall cupolas decorated with stucco. The cupola of the left side nave was decorated by the painter Cantinelli in 1880. A bell tower with four levels and superimposed orders stands out from the church. It was built between 1870 and 1875, according to the plans of the architect Guasco.