Basilica of San Savino in Piacenza, Italy

The first religious building constructed on the site of the Basilica of San Savino dates back to the 4th century AD. It was a basilica built under the orders of Saint Savino, consecrated to the twelve apostles, and situated just outside the Roman castrum walls in an area that had served as a necropolis since the Augustan era. After Saint Savino’s death in 420, his successor, Bishop Mauro, arranged for his burial within the basilica, which was later dedicated to Saint Savino. However, the church was destroyed between 899 and 902 during the Hungarian invasions in Italy.

Reconstruction efforts began in 903, led by Bishop Everardo of Piacenza, placing the church in a more central location within the city walls. Unfortunately, a second Hungarian raid in 924 razed the church once more. By around 1000, reconstruction began again under Bishop Sigifredo, who also built a Benedictine monastery next to the church. The final consecration of this new building took place on October 15, 1107, by Bishop Aldo, and a crypt adorned with mosaics was also constructed at this time. Further modifications to the church occurred in 1278, although the specifics of these changes remain unclear.

In the 15th century, the church became a commendation, and in 1495, following the decline of the Benedictines, the Hieronymite monks took control and carried out significant renovations. During these renovations in 1509, the relics of Saint Savino were discovered within the main altar. In 1579, Pope Gregory XIII granted the English College of Rome a portion of the church’s assets, which had originally been assigned to the Hieronymites.

By the 17th century, the church underwent several modifications, including the demolition of the main apse in 1631 and the addition of Baroque elements such as chapels and decorative stuccos. A new Baroque-style façade was completed in 1721, and the altar housing the relics of Saint Savino was moved to the upper presbytery in 1707. In the 20th century, under Bishop Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, restoration work was undertaken to return the church to its original Romanesque appearance, including the recovery of frescoes from the 14th century and the reconstruction of the apses and windows to their pre-18th-century design.

From 2004 onward, the church underwent a series of restoration efforts led by architect Carlo Beltrami. The first phase focused on repairing the basilica’s roof, followed by the installation of a new lighting system. In 2006, the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal was restored, revealing valuable 17th-century frescoes by Giovanni Evangelista Draghi. Further renovations were carried out on the rectory and oratory building between 2006 and 2007, ensuring the preservation of the basilica’s historical and artistic heritage.