The San Giovanni Church in Brescia was probably built in the 15th century. The church has a façade that reflects the interior, which consists of three naves. The portal was designed by Filippo de Grassi. As in many churches in Brescia, the artistic highlights were painted by the local artists Moretto and Romanino.
San Giovanni Church Brescia
Address, opening hours and entrance fee
Address: Contrada di San Giovanni, 12 – Brescia (tel. +39 0302400224). Opening hours: Monday from 08:30 to 09:30; Tuesday to Sunday from 08:30 to 19:30. Entrance fee: Free of charge.
History and Description
The Chiesa di San Giovanni was built between 1440 and 1447 on an already existing early Christian church. However, the Cappella del Sacramento and the Cappella del Tabarrino were added only in the 17th century.
Traces of the original rose window can still be seen on the façade. Different colors of marble were used for the portal.
The interior consists of three naves and is graced by paintings made between the 15th and 17th centuries.
Artworks
The aforementioned paintings by Il Moretto and Romanino are located in the Cappella del Santissimo Sacramento. The former was responsible for the canvases on the right wall and the latter for those on the left wall. The cycle, which depicts biblical events, is counted among the Renaissance highlights in the city.
Underneath the arches there are depictions of the 12 prophets. Six of them are the work of Il Moretto, the remaining six were painted by il Romanino.
The “Descent from the Throne” on the altar is by Bernardino Zenale and was painted in 1508.
The church also features a beautiful cloister.