Basilica of St. Bernardine of Siena

About

The Basilica dell'Osservanza is a church on the outskirts of Siena, region of Tuscany, Italy.

History: A hermitage is known at the site since 1192, and in 104 was donated to San Bernardino of Siena, who began construction of a church around 1420, consecrated in 1451 by the Archbishop Niccolo Piccolomini, and completed around 1490, probably designed by Francesco di Giorgio (Cecco di Giorgio). Further expansion of the church was commissioned between 1495 and 1496 by Pandolfo Petrucci. During World War II, it was almost completely destroyed by American bombing on 23 January 1944. After the war, an ambitious reconstruction project directed by Egisto Bellini restored the basilica to its original appearance. The church was reconsecrated and reopened in 1949.

Contents in the 19th century: An inventory in 1840 recalls organ doors painted by Lorenzo Feliciati. The first chapel on the right had wall frescoes by Apollonio Nasini, the second chapel, had frescoes by his uncle Tommaso. The main altar had terra-cotta statues sculpted by Gioco di Gambassi. Other sculptures by Giuseppe Mazzuoli the Younger. A crucifix painted by Riccio. Four canvases were painted by Franellini, and the pilasters...