Basilica of San Gaudenzio

About

The Basilica of San Gaudenzio (Italian: Basilica di San Gaudenzio) is a church in Novara, Italy. It is the highest point in the city. It is dedicated to Gaudentius of Novara, first Christian bishop of the city.

History: The first church dedicated to the saint existed near the current end of the Via XX Settembre, about 500 meters east of the current site, by 841, it was later rebuilt and reconsecrated in 1298. From 1552 to 1554, Novara was fortified at the behest of Charles V, and all structures outside the city walls, including the original Basilica, were demolished, however, the emperor quickly opened a brick factory within the city with the goal of eventually rebuilding the church. Novara was miraculously spared from the second plague pandemic of 1576, and in gratitude for the city's preservation, a site at the highest natural point in the city was chosen as the site for the rebuilt basilica. A Romanesque church, San Vincenzo Martire, already existed at this site, but it was mostly demolished for the new building. However, three chapels of San Vincenzo Martire are preserved in the modern building, including St. George's chapel, where the relics of Gaudentius were stored following...