Basilica of San Domenico

Image: Wikimedia Commons

In the university city of Bologna, the Basilica of San Domenico guards the mortal remains of Saint Dominic, founder of the Order of Preachers, who died on 6 August 1221 in a cell of the adjoining convent he himself had established, and where the first General Chapters shaped the Dominican order. The basilica was raised between 1228 and 1240 around his tomb, and the saint rests in the celebrated Arca di San Domenico, a marble masterpiece begun by Nicola Pisano in 1267, crowned by Niccolò dell'Arca, and completed with statuettes carved by the young Michelangelo. Pilgrims still venerate him there on his feast, 8 August.