San Martino, Minor basilica in Bologna, Italy
San Martino is a minor basilica in Bologna's historic center, built with three naves divided by pillars and pointed arches in a style that mixes Gothic and Renaissance elements. The church also serves as a shrine and is recognized as part of Italy's national heritage.
The basilica was founded in 1227, making it one of the older churches in medieval Bologna. In 1293 it was handed over to the Carmelite order, who have remained in charge ever since.
The interior holds paintings by artists who worked in Bologna during the late 1400s and early 1500s, including Francesco Francia and Lorenzo Costa. Walking through the church, visitors can see how Renaissance painting developed in the city through works that are still hanging in their original setting.
The basilica sits on Piazza San Martino in Bologna's historic center and is easy to reach on foot from the main streets. As it is an active parish church, it is best to visit outside of service times and to dress modestly.
The bell tower holds four bells cast by Cesare Brighenti in 1949, and they still ring out over the square every day. Despite being in the heart of the city, the church draws far fewer visitors than Bologna's larger churches, so it is usually easy to look around without crowds.
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