Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Lanfranco
Sightseeing attraction | Pavia | Lombardia | Italy
The Parish Church of San Lanfranco in Pavia, Lombardy, is a significant example of Romanesque architecture and part of a historical monastery complex. Its origins date back to the late 11th century, when it was founded by monks of the Vallombrosan Order and initially dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre.
In 1198, the Bishop of Pavia, Lanfranco Beccari, who was a frequent guest of the monastery, passed away and was buried there in a reputation of holiness. In his honor, the church was renamed and has since borne his name. The church was consecrated in 1236 by Bishop Rodobaldo Cipolla, the construction of the bell tower was completed in 1237, and the façade was finished in 1257.
The church features a façade in the Lombard-Romanesque style, characterized by brick walls and decorative majolica tiles. The interior consists of a Latin cross plan with a single nave divided into four bays supported by slender pillars. The cross vaults are slightly dome-shaped, and at the intersection of the nave and transept rises an octagonal dome.
Of particular note is the Renaissance presbytery, redesigned around 1509 by Abbot Pietro Pallavicini de' Scipione to provide a worthy place for the magnificent marble shrine of Saint Lanfranco, created by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. This Arca di San Lanfranco is a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, featuring detailed reliefs from the life of the saint.
Attached to the church is a small square cloister from the 15th century, designed by Giovanni Antonio Amadeo and distinguished by its fine terracotta decorations. Another, larger cloister from the late 15th century complements the complex. Inside the church, frescoes from various periods are preserved, including a significant 13th-century fresco depicting the murder of Thomas Becket.
Throughout the centuries, the complex witnessed various historical events, including its use as headquarters by King Francis I of France during the siege of Pavia in 1524, which resulted in damage from a fire. Despite these challenges, the spiritual atmosphere of the place has remained, and today the church serves as a parish church and is open to visitors who wish to admire the rich history and artworks.
