Standing before the Chiesa di Sant’Edoardo, its red brick facade bathed in the warm Italian sun, you can almost feel the echoes of its history. This church, built between 1938 and 1940 by two architect-priests, is more than just a place of worship; it’s a symbol of resistance and resilience.
The Chiesa di Sant’Edoardo was initially built with a temporary crypt, followed by the construction of the church in brick. It served as a haven for those fighting during World War II. The parish priest, Ambrogio Gianotti, worked closely with the partisans. It was from a secret room in the church that the liberation of all of northern Italy was announced on the 25th of April 1945.
Take a closer look. The Chiesa di Sant’Edoardo has the structure of a basilica, with a Latin cross and a double semi-circular apse. The nave is lined with coffers, and on its sides, you can see chapels. Outside, every surface is red brick. Behind the main entrance, stands a large portico supported by pillars with serpentine cladding. The lower section of the front facade is the part of the portico, while the upper one is gable-shaped. On the top of the structure sits a triangular pediment. To the left of the apse stands the campanile, with a square base and red brick walls.
Look up. The Chiesa di Sant’Edoardo is crowned by a large mosaic of the Holy Trinity. There are groups of rectangular windows on the facade, the campanile and the rest of the church. The side chapels and the baptistery are full of murals, with many symbols. The nave and the transept have monochrome ideograms.
Step inside and admire the church’s ancient organ, a gift from the Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Piazza. The interior is a reminder of the chiesa’s important role during the war. You will find a bronze bust and a plaque commemorating the parish priest Ambrogio Gianotti and his contributions to the Resistance.