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Basilica of Sant’Andrea

Q: How to reach the Basilica of Sant'Andrea?

1. By Train: To reach the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, you can take the R train from the city centre to the Mantova station. From there, you can take a 14-minute walk to the attraction, covering a distance of about 1.1 kilometres.2. By Bus: Bus numbers 2, 46, 7E, and BUS operate from different parts of the city and drop off at Pomponazzo or Libertà 3 bus stop. You can then walk from these bus stops for 5 minutes for 550 metres to reach the Basilica of Sant’Andrea.

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Basilica of Sant’Andrea Overview

The Basilica of Sant’Andrea is a Roman Catholic church in Mantua, Italy. It is famous for its beautiful Renaissance architecture. The church was started in 1472, designed by Leon Battista Alberti, and commissioned by Ludovico III Gonzaga. It took 328 years to finish, and it stands tall over the Piazza Mantegna.

The basilica was built on the site of a Benedictine monastery, and its bell tower from 1414 still remains. The most important part of the basilica is the crypt, which holds sacred relics. These relics include earth soaked in the blood of Jesus Christ, which makes it a significant site for Christians.

Inside the basilica, you can find the tomb of the artist Andrea Mantegna in the chapel of St. John the Baptist. This chapel also has paintings by Mantegna and frescoes by Correggio. Another famous chapel is St. Longinus, which is decorated by Giulio Romano and his followers.

Why You Should Visit the Basilica of Sant'Andrea

You should visit the Basilica of Sant’Andrea because this church is a masterpiece of Early Renaissance architecture.
Built between 1472 and 1490 by Leon Battista Alberti, its design combines three ancient Roman forms: a temple front, a triumphal arch, and a basilica.
The basilica is also famous for housing two sacred vessels believed to contain the blood of Christ.
One is the Preziosissimo Sangue di Cristo, which is a mix of blood and earth from under the cross where Jesus was crucified.
The other one is a reliquary in the crypt that contains earth soaked in the blood of Christ.
This Basilica of Sant’Andrea was built to welcome large crowds who came to see these relics on holy days.
On your visit to the attraction, you can admire its stunning design and beautiful wall paintings inside.
Some of the popular artworks that you can see in this basilica are Bernini's delightful angels and two-round paintings by Correggio.

History of Basilica of Sant'Andrea

The Basilica of Sant’Andrea has a fascinating history. In 804, it is said that the Blood of Christ that was collected at the crucifixion of Jesus by the soldier Longinus was discovered in Mantua. This relic made Mantua an important religious site and attracted popes, emperors, and many pilgrims.

To honour this relic, three churches were built over time. Designed by Leon Battista Alberti, the current basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its construction began in 1472 and was finished in the 18th century with a grand Baroque dome by Filippo Juvara.

The basilica is rich in art, with works by famous artists like Andrea Mantegna, whose tomb is also there, Correggio, Giulio Romano, and Anton Maria Viani. Inside, you can see beautiful frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries, with all of them focusing on the theme of Redemption. Today, the basilica remains an important religious and historical site that is celebrated for its stunning architecture and sacred relics.

Architecture of Basilica of Sant'Andrea

The Basilica of Sant’Andrea has a unique and beautiful architecture. Inspired by the Arch of Trajan, the front of the church has a large central arch with smaller openings on each side. The facade combines luted Corinthian columns with taller pilasters, topped by a pediment and vaulted structure.

Inside the attraction, there is a nave covered by a barren vault, which was one of the first large-scale uses of this design since ancient times. This vault was meant to be decorated with coffers but was instead painted due to the lack of funds. The interior and exterior designs both use a triumphal arch motif.

In 1597, the church got side arms and a crypt. The massive dome, designed by Filippo Juvarra, was completed between 1732 and 1782. Later, Paolo Pozzo and others added final decorations inside the church in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Basilica of Sant'Andrea Facade

The facade of the Basilica of Sant'Andrea is a popular example of Early Renaissance architecture. Built from bricks covered in stucco, it has a prominent central arch and Corinthian pilasters. Designed by Leon Battista Alberti in 1472, it reflects ancient Roman and Greek influences, such as the Arch of Trajan at Ancona.

Although narrower and shorter than the main church, the facade serves as an entrance porch with a Classical triangular pediment atop the pillars. The design of Alberti emphasizes geometric harmony and ideal proportions, which are seen in the arrangement of pillars and arches. This blend of classical elements with Christian symbolism makes it a masterpiece admired by art historians.

Therefore, the facade in the Basilica of Sant’Andrea stands as an ideal example of the architectural genius of Alberti. It also showcases his ability to blend ancient architectural forms with contemporary religious expression.

Interior of Basilica of Sant'Andrea

Chapels and Works of Art

Inside the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, you will find chapels branching off from the nave, each filled with stunning artworks. One chapel, which is known as the Mantegna funerary chapel, holds the tomb of painter Andrea Mantegna. This chapel is decorated with a bronze figure by Gianmarco Cavalli and Mantegna's Holy Family. Other chapels have frescoes from Giulio Romano's school, including works by Correggio. The basilica also showcases art by renowned artists like Mantegna, Correggio, Giulio Romano, and Anton Maria Viani.

Crypt

The crypt of the Basilica of Sant’Andrea has an octagonal temple with an altar. Above the altar, there is a casket that holds the relic vases. You will also find a cross on a mound above this, with grape bunches on its arms and olive branches below. The olive branches symbolise the royal lineage of Christ. On the other hand, the grapes represent abundance and the relationship of Christ with the Church. This theme ties to the Eucharist, which shows the eternal loyalty of Christ. Statues of Faith and Hope also add symbolic meaning to this sacred space.

FAQs

Why is the Basilica of Sant'Andrea famous?

The Basilica of Sant’Andrea is famous for its beautiful architecture, important religious relics, and stunning art. Designed by Leon Battista Alberti, it is one of those Early Renaissance architecture that holds vessels believed to contain the blood of Christ. The basilica also showcases amazing two-round paintings by artists like Correggio and Mantegna's family chapel.

What is the best time to visit the Basilica of Sant'Andrea?

The Basilica of Sant’Andrea is a popular tourist destination that can be visited throughout the year. However, the best time to visit the attraction is either early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It is also advisable to avoid going to the basilica during Mass when the place remains crowded.

How to reach the Basilica of Sant'Andrea?

1. By Train: To reach the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, you can take the R train from the city centre to the Mantova station. From there, you can take a 14-minute walk to the attraction, covering a distance of about 1.1 kilometres.

2. By Bus: Bus numbers 2, 46, 7E, and BUS operate from different parts of the city and drop off at Pomponazzo or Libertà 3 bus stop. You can then walk from these bus stops for 5 minutes for 550 metres to reach the Basilica of Sant’Andrea.

Is photography allowed in the Basilica of Sant'Andrea?

Yes, photography is allowed in the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, but you cannot use a flash. Many people enjoy taking pictures of the beautiful artwork inside, especially Bernini's delightful angels. However, you should be respectful and quiet while taking photos, so you do not disturb others who are visiting the basilica.

How long should one spend inside the Basilica of Sant'Andrea?

You should spend at least an hour inside the Basilica of Sant’Andrea. This time frame allows you to see the beautiful art and architecture, including the frescoed dome and marble chapels. A guided tour can help you understand the history and significance of the basilica.

This website is a partner website of Thrillophilia. Thrillophilia works with multiple attractions in Tivoli as a reseller.