Church of San Zeno al Foro, Baroque Catholic church in Piazza del Foro, Brescia, Italy.
The Church of San Zeno al Foro is a Baroque building with white marble columns and decorated facade elements that fit naturally into the urban space of Piazza del Foro. The interior features four large canvases by the artist Antonio Paglia depicting religious scenes such as the Prayer in the Garden and the Baptism of Christ.
A religious structure at this location dates to the 12th century, but the present building was completed in 1745 and replaced the earlier structure. This change reflects the Baroque transformation that Brescia underwent during that period.
The church is dedicated to Saint Zeno, a protector figure honored in local devotion and memory. Its placement in the ancient forum, now a public square, makes it a visual anchor for the neighborhood's identity.
Access is via Piazza del Foro in the city center, where the building is easily reached on foot. It is wise to check opening times beforehand, as the church has limited visiting hours depending on services.
The main altar houses a tabernacle made from lapis lazuli and other semi-precious stones, a precious work that shows fine craftsmanship. The carved choir stalls around it tell the story of the church's patron saint San Zeno in sculptural form.
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