San Sebastiano

San Sebastiano, known locally as Chiesa di San Sebastiano, is a captivating historical and architectural gem nestled in the heart of Francavilla Fontana, Italy. This magnificent church, with its rich history and stunning design, stands as a testament to the town's cultural and religious heritage.

The History of San Sebastiano

The origins of San Sebastiano are intricately tied to the arrival of the Piarists (Scolopi) in Francavilla Fontana. The church's construction was initiated by Prince Andrea Imperiali, who generously funded the project. The Apostolic See granted approval on September 11, 1681, and the local university allocated land to the Piarists. To make way for the new church and accompanying buildings, existing structures, including a 16th-century church, were demolished.

Construction began in 1696, as evidenced by a plaque on the right exterior wall, and was completed in 1728. Adjacent to the church, the Collegio delle Scuole Pie was established to further the Piarists' educational mission. Over the years, the church experienced periods of neglect, particularly after the convent was ceded to the municipality in 1868. However, it remains a significant religious site, occasionally opening its doors for special events, such as the 2011 exhibition of The Gospel According to Giotto, which featured photographic reproductions of the Scrovegni Chapel's walls in Padua.

Architectural Marvels of San Sebastiano

External Architecture

San Sebastiano's exterior is a striking example of classical architectural elements combined with geometric rigor. The façade is divided into two orders, each segmented into three sections by pilasters with Doric capitals. The absence of a frontispiece is cleverly compensated by a bell tower on the left side, adding a unique charm to the structure.

The church's longitudinal plan features a single nave flanked by lateral chapels. The façade's decorative elements, including niches, metopes, triglyphs, and friezes, showcase a blend of classical and baroque influences, creating a visually appealing and harmonious design.

The Dome

The crowning glory of San Sebastiano is undoubtedly its dome, a feature not included in the original plans. Constructed in 1728 by Brother Benedetto of the Piarist Order, this dome is the first example of a majolica-tiled dome in Puglia, a technique already popular in Campania. The dome, supported by a tall drum with a diameter of 9.5 meters, reaches a height of 35 meters with its lantern, making it a prominent and awe-inspiring element of the church's architecture.

Internal Architecture

Inside, San Sebastiano continues to impress with its longitudinal plan and single nave. The nave features niches introduced by arches and composite capitals, although the niches currently lack statues. The church houses two notable baroque altars dedicated to Saint Cajetan Thiene and Saint Elzearius, commissioned by Princesses Brigida Grimaldi and Irene Simeana of the Imperiali family. The altar of Saint Cajetan Thiene also holds the relics of the martyr Saint Celestine.

Four additional altars, added in the latter half of the 18th century, are adorned with colorful stuccoes. The church also boasts several 18th-century paintings attributed to Matteo and Diego Bianchi of Manduria. Due to the church's current closure, many of its decorative objects have been relocated to the Piarist college in Campi Salentina.

The Former Real Collegio Ferdinandeo

Adjacent to San Sebastiano is the former Real Collegio Ferdinandeo, a prestigious educational institution established by the Piarists with the support of Andrea and Michele III Imperiali. The convent, suppressed in 1814 during the Napoleonic and Murat persecutions, reopened in 1830 and was officially recognized by King Ferdinand II of Bourbon in 1841 as the Real Collegio Ferdinandeo, offering courses in Fine Letters and Philosophy.

Over the years, the college hosted several notable figures, including Saint Pompilio Maria Pirrotti and Bartolo Longo. After the departure of the Piarists in 1869, the building served various educational purposes, including a municipal gymnasium and later the Michele Imperiali school. During World War II, part of the institute was requisitioned by military authorities, and it briefly housed the heir to the Italian throne, Umberto of Savoy, in 1943.

Architectural Highlights

The convent and church occupy an entire block bordered by Via Mazzini, Via Simeana, Via Pinone, and Via Crispi. The complex is centered around a quadrangular courtyard, where a palm tree was planted in 1932 to commemorate Arnaldo Mussolini. The building features a ground floor and a first floor accessible via a monumental staircase.

The façade on Via Mazzini is characterized by flat-framed windows and a prominent cornice. The entrance portal, adorned with rusticated stonework, is topped by three coats of arms representing the Imperiali family, the Piarist Order, and the city of Francavilla. The rear façade is notable for its neoclassical windows with balustrades, a loggia with semicircular arches, and a pronounced cornice unifying the expansive structure.

San Sebastiano and the former Real Collegio Ferdinandeo together form a remarkable ensemble that reflects the rich history and architectural splendor of Francavilla Fontana. Visitors to this historic site can marvel at the intricate design, explore the fascinating history, and appreciate the enduring legacy of the Piarists and the Imperiali family.