Basilica of San Bernardino

The Story

The Basilica of San Bernardino in L'Aquila, in Italy's Abruzzo region, was built between 1454 and 1472 in honor of St. Bernardine of Siena, whose remains rest within its Renaissance mausoleum. Bernardine (1380–1444) was the most celebrated preacher of fifteenth-century Italy. A Franciscan friar of the Observant reform, he traveled from city to city calling enormous crowds to conversion, reconciling feuding factions, and spreading devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus, symbolized by the radiant IHS monogram he held aloft — an emblem still seen on buildings across Italy. Worn out by his labors, he died at L'Aquila on May 20, 1444, while journeying to preach in the Kingdom of Naples, and the city kept his body with devotion. So widespread was his fame for holiness that he was canonized only six years after his death, in 1450, by Pope Nicholas V. The citizens of L'Aquila then raised a great basilica for their saint, with a celebrated facade by Cola dell'Amatrice and a marble mausoleum carved by Silvestro dell'Aquila enshrining his remains. The basilica has shared the city's trials, suffering serious damage in the earthquake of 2009; it was carefully restored, and the saint's remains were returned to the restored mausoleum chapel. Pilgrims visit the tomb throughout the year, and L'Aquila honors its patron with particular solemnity around his feast on May 20.

Church Recognition

St. Bernardine of Siena was canonized by Pope Nicholas V in 1450, and his feast is kept on the General Roman Calendar on May 20; the basilica built in his honor holds the rank of minor basilica and shelters his venerated remains.

Catholic Teaching

Bernardine's apostolate centered on the Holy Name of Jesus, whose invocation the Church commends as a simple and powerful prayer (CCC 2666–2668); veneration at his tomb expresses the communion of saints (CCC 946–962).

Plan Your Visit

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Practical

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Pilgrims visit the basilica and the restored Renaissance mausoleum containing the remains of St. Bernardine, a masterpiece of Abruzzese sculpture. Devotion peaks around the saint's feast on May 20, and the church is open to visitors in the heart of L'Aquila's historic center.

Go Deeper

The basilica's official website (basilicasanbernardino.it) provides information on the church and its restoration. See also the Catechism on prayer in the name of Jesus (CCC 2666–2668) and Franciscan sources on St. Bernardine's preaching.