Church of San Domenico, Alba, Italy

church of san domenico

The Church of San Domenico was built with the convent of San Domenico founded in the last years of the thirteenth century on land donated by Pietro De Brayda, a member of one of the main Albanian families of the time. Of the ancient building that occupied a large part of the block only the church survives today, whose appearance is the result of numerous interventions stratified over the centuries. Originally, in fact, the space of the naves was divided into two parts, probably separated by a pier: the so-called internal church, reserved for the friars and the external church, destined to welcome the faithful during the preaching. While the first was turned and decorated, the second was covered by simple exposed trusses.

In 1440 Pope Eugene IV allowed the priors to collect new funds through the granting of indulgences: it was from then on that, over the course of several decades, the semi-columns and the corresponding external buttresses were superimposed on the walls, intended to support the new vaults .

Following the Council of Trent (1545-1563) and the reform of the liturgy the building underwent considerable changes, with the merging of the two churches into a single uniform space: the altar was moved forward, while the choir, previously located in the central nave, was placed in the apse. Meanwhile, the San Domenico increased its role as a religious city center, certified between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries by the construction of numerous noble tombs and new side chapels, built in the thickness of the walls as the building was tight between the street public and the cloister (now destroyed).

In the nineteenth century the slow decline of the convent began. First with the suppression desired by the French government (1801) which destined the premises for public use. Then with the passage to the Municipality that, shortly after the middle of the century, proceeded to its almost complete demolition to make room for the Royal College, today the seat of the Liceo Govone. Fortunately, the church was saved: it became the property of the parish of the Cathedral, was assigned to the Brotherhood of the Sacred Heart and reopened for worship in 1826. The last portion of the convent, which included the ancient chapter hall, was incredibly demolished in 1960. The church , the subject of a first conservative intervention in the 1930s, since 1975 it has been managed by the Famija Albèisa who promoted its complete restoration and still maintains it.

Church of San Domenico, Alba Map, Italy

Via Teaobaldo Calissano

Tel.+39 0173 441742 – +39 328 8390002

info@famijaalbeisa.it – www.famijaalbeisa.it

Church of San Domenico, Opening hours

Monday to Friday: 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and 3.00 pm – 6.00 pm

Saturday and Sunday: 10.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.30 pm to 6.30 pm

 

chiesa di san giuseppe museo diocesano alba museo civico sant eusebio
centro studi beppe fenoglio

Albacitytours.com

Do you want to fall in love with Alba and the Langhe region? The first thing to do when going to a new city is to walk. Walking allows us to discover the secret places of the city, walking allows us to find the tourist office in the best municipality in Langhe.

Book Your Private Tour

banner book now

Recent Articles

Federico Eusebio Civic Archaeological Museum in Alba
Federico Eusebio Civic Archaeological Museum in Alba
24/06/2019
Mudi - Diocesan Museum
Mudi – Diocesan Museum in Alba, Italy
24/06/2019
san_giuseppe_4
Church of San Giuseppe, Alba
24/06/2019
Fenoglio Al Bar del Savona ©AldoAgnelli
Beppe Fenoglio Study Centre
24/06/2019

Get a Question?

Do not hesitage to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

33.333.33

info@albacitytours.com