Introduction
The Basilica of San Benedetto is a significant Catholic place of worship located in the historic center of Norcia, in the province of Perugia. It is part of the parish of Santa Maria nella Concattedrale, within the archdiocese of Spoleto-Norcia.
The basilica is traditionally believed to have been built on the site of the birthplace of Saints Benedict and Scholastica, who were born around 480 to a noble family, as noted by Saint Gregory the Great in his Dialogues. In June 1966, Pope Paul VI elevated the basilica to the status of a minor basilica. Since December 2, 2000, it has served as the seat of the Benedictine male monastic community Maria Sedes Sapientiæ.
The basilica was severely damaged in the devastating earthquake of October 30, 2016, with only the façade, the apse, and parts of the naves surviving. As of 2023, the reconstruction is nearly complete.
The original Basilica of San Benedetto was constructed near the birthplace of Saint Benedict. The current structure, however, dates back to the 13th century when it underwent significant expansion. In the 16th century, the basilica was damaged by an earthquake, leading to extensive internal restoration in the Baroque style. The crypt, however, remained largely intact, preserving its original design.
In 1703, the devastating earthquake in L’Aquila caused the bell tower to collapse. It was subsequently rebuilt, adhering to the architectural style and design of the original medieval structure.
Over the centuries, the basilica continued to suffer damage from various seismic events. The 1997 Umbria and Marche earthquake caused significant harm, but the basilica was restored along with much of Norcia and was reopened in time for the Jubilee of 2000.
However, the most catastrophic damage occurred during the series of powerful earthquakes between August 24 and October 30, 2016, with magnitudes of 6.0 and 6.5. The largest tremor, which struck on October 30 at 7:41 AM, caused the bell tower to collapse onto the church, resulting in the near-total destruction of the central structure. Despite the extensive damage, the Gothic façade and the apse managed to withstand the tremors.
In 2019, the basilica, along with the Pieve Collegiata di San Ginesio and the Church of San Giorgio di Accumoli, was designated as a “symbolic” place of worship, earmarked for special and unique restoration efforts.
After years of reconstruction, Holy Mass was once again celebrated in the basilica on October 30, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the restoration of this historic and spiritual landmark.
Architecture of Basilica of St. Benedict, Norcia, Italy
Architectural Style : Gothic architecture
Exterior
The Basilica of San Benedetto features a striking gabled façade, constructed with stone blocks and crowned by a triangular pediment. At the base of the façade is a single, splayed portal, surmounted by an ogival lunette that houses a sculptural group depicting the Madonna and Child flanked by two adoring angels. On either side of the portal, within tabernacles, stand statues of Saint Benedict (to the right) and Saint Scholastica (to the left). Above the rose window, four bas-reliefs represent the symbols of the Evangelists.
Originally, the façade was topped with two marble pinnacles and a cross, but these were removed as a precaution following the earthquake of October 26, 2016.
The side walls were restored to a uniform height during renovations completed in 1958. This restoration included the demolition of the ribbed vaults of the side portico, revealing the pointed portal and three upper windows from the 14th-century structure. The Portico delle Misure, constructed around 1570 by order of the Municipality and ecclesiastical authorities, was added to the right side of the basilica to serve as a covered grain market.
On the side of the church adjacent to the bell tower, at the transept, a structural spur reinforces the wall. Within this spur is an aedicule housing a fresco of the Madonna with Child, created by a late Gothic painter and restored in 1975.
Internal Features
Interior
The interior of the basilica is shaped like a Latin cross, featuring a single nave covered by wooden roofs. The apse and the dome at the transept crossing, along with the side walls of the nave, reflect an 18th-century reconstruction. Beneath the church lies the crypt, consisting of three naves, alongside an archaeological area that reveals the remains of a Roman domus from the imperial era.
During the 1950s restoration, the 14th-century triumphal arch was uncovered, marking the sole surviving Gothic element of the nave. In preparation for the Jubilee of 2000, significant interior modifications were carried out under the guidance of Archbishop Riccardo Fontana (now Bishop of Arezzo-Cortona-Sansepolcro). These changes included new flooring, the installation of a high altar and a bronze pulpit crafted by Giuseppe Ducrot, the creation of a new access to the crypt, rearrangement of the archaeological area below, and adaptations to the former Benedictine monastery.
On the choir loft of the counter-façade stands the pipe organ, built by Feliciano Fedeli in 1740 and later modified by Zeno Fedeli in the early 20th century. This instrument, with mechanical action, is housed within an ornate case and features seven stops on a single manual with a pedalboard.
Among the notable artworks preserved inside the basilica is an altarpiece in the left transept, depicting Saint Benedict and Totila. This piece, the only ecclesiastical work by Filippo Napoletano, was completed in 1621 and showcases a sober, reformed naturalism with influences from Florentine art.
Feast Day
Feast Day: July 11
The Feast of St. Benedict is celebrated on July 11th each year. St. Benedict, the patron saint of Europe and founder of the Benedictine Order, is honored for his role in shaping Western monasticism. The Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia, Italy, is the birthplace of St. Benedict, and it serves as an important pilgrimage site. The feast day marks his life and teachings, particularly his Rule of St. Benedict, which has guided countless monastic communities throughout history.
Church Mass Timing
Yet to Update
Church Opening Time:
Monday : Open 24h
Tuesday : Open 24h
Wednesday : Open 24h
Thursday : Open 24h
Friday : Open 24h
Saturday : Open 24h
Sunday : Open 24h
Contact Info
Address:
Piazza S. Benedetto, 06046 Norcia PG, Italy
Phone: +39074323101
Accommodations
Connectivities
Airway
Perugia San Francesco d’Assisi Airport to Basilica of St. Benedict, Norcia, Italy distance between 1 hr 10 min (89.0 km) via SS75 and SS3
Railway
Assisi railway station to Basilica of St. Benedict, Norcia, Italy distance between 1 hr 5 min (78.4 km) via SS3 and Tre Valli Umbre/SS685
