San Giacomo

San Giacomo, officially known as the Basilica minore di San Giacomo Apostolo, stands as a testament to the rich religious and cultural heritage of Chioggia, a charming town in the province of Venice, Veneto, Italy. This magnificent basilica, which overlooks the main square of the city, is a Catholic church that has been a beacon of faith and architectural splendor for centuries. Elevated to the status of a minor pontifical basilica by Pope Pius X in 1906, San Giacomo is the second largest church in the historic center of Chioggia, right after the cathedral.

The Historical Journey of San Giacomo

The origins of San Giacomo date back to the 11th century when an austere and low temple dedicated to the apostle James stood on this very site. This early structure, described by the Clodiense historian Pietro Morari in his manuscript The History of Chioggia in 1637, was divided into three naves by brick columns. However, the church we see today was built after the collapse of the apse on the night between November 24 and 25, 1741.

Construction of the current church began in 1742, following the approval of the project by the Venetian architect Pietro Pelle. Pelle, who was also working on the reconstruction of the church of San Domenico in Chioggia, laid the foundation for what would become a grand basilica. The project was later completed by his nephew, Domenico Pelle. Despite being under the economic jurisdiction of the Cathedral due to its chaplaincy status, San Giacomo's central location near the homes of the city's elite allowed it to achieve financial autonomy.

On November 15, 1806, the relics of the Madonna della Navicella were transferred to San Giacomo from the sanctuary in Sottomarina, which had been transformed into a barracks by the Austrian ruler at the end of the 18th century. These Marian relics were honored through a coronation by the bishop of Chioggia, Jacopo De Foretti, in 1859, as delegated by a papal bull from Pope Pius X.

From 1989 to 1992, during the restoration of the cathedral, San Giacomo temporarily served as the cathedral church, hosting solemn bishop ceremonies and the relics of the patron saints Felice and Fortunato. In 1923, a monument to the fallen, featuring a winged victory bronze sculpture by Domenico Trentacoste, was erected in front of the church.

Inside the Basilica

The interior of San Giacomo is a marvel to behold. Spanning 25 meters in width, 35 meters in length, and 25 meters in height, the church boasts a rectangular plan adorned with several altars. As you move counterclockwise, you'll encounter the Altar of the Guardian Angel, decorated with an altarpiece painted by Marinetti and a statue of Saint Rita. Next is the Altar of San Giuseppe, featuring a statue of the saint flanked by statues of saints Rita and Lucia. The Altar of Saints Sebastiano and Rocco showcases an ancient altarpiece depicting the two saints and a panel with the face of the Madonna taken from a fresco found in Palazzo Granaio in Chioggia.

The Baptistery altar is adorned with a statue of Christ by Luigi Tomaz, while the main altar, designed by Aristide Naccari and executed by Pietro Longo in Carrara marble, frames the relics of the Madonna della Navicella. The main altar is crowned by an angel with open arms, with the statue of San Giacomo centrally positioned and the city patrons Felice and Fortunato in armor on the sides. The Altar of the Blessed Sacrament, the Altar of San Giuliano, the Altar of the Souls of Purgatory, and the Altar of relics with a Gothic-style reliquary complete the array of sacred spaces within the basilica.

Frescoes and Artistry

The ceiling of San Giacomo is adorned with a 223-square-meter fresco depicting the martyrdom and glorification of Saint James. This masterpiece was created by the brothers Alessandro and Romualdo Mauri from Vicenza and Antonio Marinetti from Chioggia. The fresco vividly captures the moment of martyrdom and the saint's ascension towards Heaven. Above the main altar, a lunette depicts the Holy Mary intervening to save Chioggia from divine punishment. The ceiling of the choir features five medallions portraying God the Father, Saint Benedict, Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Alfonso De' Liguori, and Saint Francis de Sales.

The Mechanical Organ and Ex-voto

Above the portal on the counter-facade, you'll find the mechanical organ installed by Gaetano Callido in 1793. The northern wall of the church is lined with 19th-century votive offerings, known locally as 'tolèle.' These painted tablets, commissioned by those who received divine grace, often depict shipwrecks with fishermen invoking the Madonna della Navicella. Adjacent to the presbytery, votive offerings from the late 16th or 17th century are preserved in glass cases, showcasing scenes embossed on silver sheets.

The Bell Tower

The bell tower of San Giacomo, designed by Aristide Naccari, was constructed at the end of the 19th century. It rises from 18.90 meters to 37.50 meters, crowned by a wind vane angel. The once low tower now boasts a slender shape reaching towards the sky, eclipsing the adjacent bell tower of the oratory of the Battuti of the Santissima Trinità.

San Giacomo is not just a religious building; it is a symbol of Chioggia's enduring faith and artistic heritage. Its walls echo centuries of devotion, artistry, and history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this picturesque Italian town.