Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo, Minor basilica in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy
The Basilica Minore dei Santi Filippo e Giacomo is a baroque church with a simple layout: a single nave with shallow niches and a large presbytery lit by two rectangular windows. The plan emphasizes clarity and simplicity, drawing the viewer's focus toward the altar at the end of the space.
This church replaced two earlier buildings from the 13th and 16th centuries that once occupied the site. The structure took its current form between 1769 and 1775 as part of Cortina's growth into a modern settlement.
The interior walls feature frescoes by Franz Anton Zeiler depicting scenes from the lives of Saints Philip and James. These artworks shape the spiritual character of the space and tell the story of the saints to whom the church is dedicated.
The church underwent complete restoration between 2007 and 2009, returning both the interior and exterior architecture to their original condition. Visitors today encounter a well-maintained interior where artistic and architectural details are clearly visible.
The main altar was created in 1773 by Johann Müssack Jr. and features wooden figures of Saints Peter and Paul decorated with detailed stucco work. This craftsmanship is a reminder of the high quality of artisan work common in Alpine regions during that period.
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