Santi Claudio e Andrea dei Borgognoni

Church of SS. Claudius and Andrew of the Burgundians
Santi Claudio e Andrea dei Borgognoni (in Italian)
Saints-Claude-et-André-des-Bourguignons(in French)

Façade of Sant'Ivo dei Bretoni, National Church in Rome of France (Burgundy).
Basic information
Location Italy Rome
Geographic coordinates 41°54′8.3″N 12°28′53.5″E / 41.902306°N 12.481528°E / 41.902306; 12.481528Coordinates: 41°54′8.3″N 12°28′53.5″E / 41.902306°N 12.481528°E / 41.902306; 12.481528
Affiliation Roman Catholic
Country Italy
Year consecrated 1731
Ecclesiastical or organizational status National Church in Rome of France
Leadership P. Francesco Lampugnani[1]
Website Official website
Architectural description
Architect(s) Antoine Dérizet
Architectural type Church
Architectural style Baroque
Completed 1730

The Church of SS. Claudius and Andrew of the Burgundians (Italian: Santi Claudio e Andrea dei Borgognoni, French: Saints-Claude-et-André-des-Bourguignons) is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Claudius of Besançon and the apostle Saint Andrew. It is one of the national churches in Rome dedicated to France (Free County of Burgundy). Built from 1728 to 1730, the church was designed by French architect Antoine Dérizet.

History

Burgundians, mostly bankers and merchants, were present in Rome since the 15th century. Following the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) and the annexation by the Kingdom of France of the Free County of Burgundy (previously ruled by the Holy Roman Empire and today's Franche-Comté), the community grew up to twelve thousand people. In 1652 founded a national brotherhood and bought an oratory near the present Place of San Silvestro. In 1662, a hospice for pilgrims was opened near the church. Pope Innocent XI proclaimed the oratory national church of the Burgundians.

In 1726 the old church was demolished. In June 1728 started the construction of the new building designed by Antoine Dérizet. The church was consecrated in 1731 and dedicated to Saint Claudius of Besançon and Saint Andrew the Apostle. Since 1866, the fathers of Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament officiate in the Church, holding the perpetual adoration of the Eucharist.

Interior

The plan of the church is a Greek cross, with a hemispherical dome; pendentives are decorated with stuccoes of the Four Evangelists, while the four arches supporting the dome are decorated with stuccoes of angels and allegories of the Passion, Hope and Faith. Above the main altar, a fresco of Antonio Bicchi depicts the Lord blessing.

On the left side chapel is the polychrome marble urn, work of Corrado Mezzana, containing the relics of Peter Julian Eymard, founder of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. The altar is decorated with a painting by Placido Costanzi which depicts a vision of St. Charles Borromeo (1731).

The side chapel on the right is dedicated to St. Joseph and is decorated with modern works of Cleto Luzi (1949), "Dream of St. Joseph" and "the Flight into Egypt". On the altar stands a sculpture representing St. Joseph between two angels made by Guido Francisci.

Exterior

The façade is decorated with two large statues of Saint Andrew by Luc Breton and Saint Claudius of Besançon by Guillaume Antoine Grandjacquet, made in 1771.

Notes

  1. ↑ Official website of the Vicariate of Rome
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