Church of Sant'Agostino

The Church of Sant'Agostino, locally known as Chiesa di Sant'Agostino, stands proudly in the heart of Foligno, Italy. This magnificent edifice, situated in Piazza Garibaldi, is a stellar example of Baroque architecture and decoration, drawing visitors with its rich history and artistic splendor.

The Historical Evolution of the Church of Sant'Agostino

The origins of the Church of Sant'Agostino can be traced back to 1248 when a Gothic church was first constructed on this site by the Blessed Angelo of Foligno. This initial structure boasted frescoed walls and a painted truss roof, serving as the first Augustinian settlement in Foligno until 1810.

In the 17th century, the church was designated as the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Pianto, a title it retains to this day. By the 18th century, the original Gothic church had become too small to accommodate the growing congregation. Consequently, a new Baroque church was constructed adjacent to the original structure between 1720 and 1750, designed by the architect Bernascoli.

The church's facade suffered damage from a fire on the night of August 27, 1881, during a period of intense anti-clerical sentiment. However, it was promptly restored to its former glory. The original Church of the Madonna del Pianto was destroyed during the heavy Allied bombings of 1944, but the beautiful Gothic bell tower, two large windows, and the portal were preserved and incorporated into the new Baroque church's right side.

Architectural Marvels of the Church of Sant'Agostino

The Church of Sant'Agostino features a basilica layout with a single nave enclosed by a barrel vault. Behind the apse rises the 13th-century bell tower, the tallest in the city, crafted from alternating bands of white and pink stone. The bell tower's cell is illuminated by large ogival biforate windows and is crowned by a Renaissance-style polygonal dome.

The church's left side boasts a Renaissance portal attributed to Rocco da Vicenza, a testament to the 15th and 16th-century interventions. The facade, constructed between 1748 and 1750 by Nicolò Cesari and Francesco Antonio Bettini based on Pietro Loni's design, is entirely made of bricks. It is divided by four Corinthian columns that frame the portal and two statues of Saint Augustine and the Blessed Angelo of Foligno.

Interior Splendor and Artistic Treasures

Inside, the Church of Sant'Agostino dazzles with its rich Baroque altars in the side chapels, intricately carved and gilded wooden choirs, and the grandiose main altar. The church's vault is adorned with a fresco depicting the Glory of Saint Augustine, attributed to Liborio Coccetti.

The Majestic Main Altar

The main altar, a masterpiece by Gioacchino Grampini created in 1678, stands at the presbytery's end. This architectural marvel is made of carved and gilded wood. At its center is a 17th-century painting of the Madonna del Pianto, serving as the altarpiece, framed by a projecting temple supported by a pair of angels. Flanking the central image are statues of Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas of Villanova, placed within niches framed by robust Corinthian columns. Above, statues of Angels, Justice, and Fortitude stand proudly.

Notable Artworks

The Church of Sant'Agostino houses several significant paintings in addition to its Baroque altars:

• Elemosina di San Tommaso da Villanova, depicting the almsgiving of Saint Thomas of Villanova, by Domenico Luigi Valeri.
• Madonna della Cintola, a 1593 panel painting by Felice Damiani.
• Elemosina di San Tommaso da Villanova, another depiction of Saint Thomas's almsgiving, by Tommaso Nasini.
• Miracolo di San Giovanni da San Facondo, a canvas by the Painter of Popola from the late 17th century.
• L'Angelo custode e le sante Caterina e Agata, by Liborio Coccetti.
• Adorazione dei pastori, a 1610 signed and dated work by Ventura Salimbeni.

The Church of Sant'Agostino is not just a place of worship but a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture. Its walls echo the stories of centuries past, while its artistic and architectural splendors continue to inspire awe and reverence. A visit to this remarkable church offers a journey through time, providing a glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Foligno.