“Rivolta d’Adda, a hidden gem. Who would expect such a treasure?” The Basilica di San Sigismondo e Santa Maria Assunta rises before us. It stands as a testament to faith and art. This is a place where centuries intertwine.
Let’s explore the Basilica di San Sigismondo e Santa Maria Assunta. Its story starts long ago. The church’s construction began near the end of the 11th century. A papal bull from 1144 mentions it. Pope Lucio II confirmed benefits granted by Pope Urbano II. Some believe Pope Urbano II himself visited during a trip to France.
Over the centuries, the Basilica di San Sigismondo e Santa Maria Assunta underwent many changes. By 1793, it was in poor condition. The stucco was falling. It was dark and damp inside. A renovation in the 1700s wasn’t enough.
Then came a complete restoration starting in 1903. Monsignor Luigi Desirelli wanted to revive the original Romanesque style. Engineers Cesare Nava and Gaetano Moretti were tasked with this revival. They aimed for a complete and meticulous resurrection of the original monument. This was a turning point for the Basilica di San Sigismondo e Santa Maria Assunta.
During the reconstruction, ancient architectural elements came to light. These discoveries helped reconstruct the church’s history. The work finished in 1906. The restoration removed Baroque and Neoclassical additions. It revealed the Basilica di San Sigismondo e Santa Maria Assunta’s original Romanesque structure. New capitals were added. They were based on similar works in Romanesque churches of Milan and Pavia. Stonemason Giuseppe Verischi recreated capitals in the medieval style. He also made new jambs and friezes for the apse.
The restoration was costly. It caused public opposition. To raise funds, the parish sold the Pace di Rivolta d’Adda. This was a 15th-century tabernacle. It had gilded silver doors and enamels. It is now in the Poldi Pezzoli Museum in Milan. The demolition during restoration was extensive. Hundreds of carts removed rubble, bricks, and stucco. Bishop Geremia Bonomelli blessed the first stone of the new atrium in 1905. This atrium precedes the facade.
The Basilica di San Sigismondo e Santa Maria Assunta’s facade has three entrances. Two were added in the 1700s. The Romanesque style reflects its original structure. The facade has three arched openings. The central one is larger. Brickwork is laid in a herringbone pattern. The pronaos, or porch, was added in the early 1900s.
Inside, the basilica has three naves ending in three apses. The central nave is divided into three bays. Two have ribbed cross vaults. One has a barrel vault. The side naves are divided into six bays with cross vaults. The triumphal arch leads to the presbytery. It features decorations of dragons, centaurs, and other figures. These converge on the Lamb and a cross held by angels.
The apse holds a 20th-century fresco by Ernesto Rusca. It depicts the Virgin crowned by Christ. Saints Sigismund and Albert Quadrelli are also shown. The choir walls feature prophets. The vault displays archangels. The lower part of the choir has scenes from the Last Supper from the 13th century.
The main altar features polychrome marbles. A small temple protects the tabernacle. Columns form a canopy with adoring angels. Two angels at the top hold a cross. The inscription states it was erected by the people of Rivolta in 1761 and completed in 1765. Fragments of 14th and 15th-century frescoes remain on pillars and walls. The Basilica di San Sigismondo e Santa Maria Assunta tells a tale of resilience. It showcases artistic devotion.
So, let’s appreciate the Basilica di San Sigismondo e Santa Maria Assunta. It is not just a building. It is a living story etched in stone and art.