Ad honorem Martiris et tocius civitatis. San Secondo di Asti nel tardo medioevo: le ambizioni di un cantiere discontinuo

Abstract

The church of San Secondo in Asti is an important example of late medieval architecture. It wasn’t the cathedral, but a prestigious
canonical chapter was located there. It was the most important church for the devotion of the citizens. Between the 13th
and 15th centuries the church was rebuilt, preserving the crypt dating back to the time of bishop Bruningo (938-964). In 1256
pope Innocent IV proclaimed a plenary indulgence for all those who had made donations in favor of the reconstruction of the
church, but the work did not begin immediately. At the end of the 13th century, the eastern termination, which is divided into
a pentagonal major apse and two quadrangular minor apses, was rebuilt. Probably in that period most of the citizens’ donations
were destined for the reconstruction of the cathedral of Santa Maria, so the construction of San Secondo was neglected. Inevitably
there were many interruptions. Around the middle of the 14th century the construction of the transept, the side chapels
and the first façade took place. In the years between the end of the 14th and the beginning of the 15th century the naves were
rebuilt. {e naves are separated by quatrefoil pillars. San Secondo is a Hallenkirche: the central nave is very little higher than the
side naves, consequently it was not possible to open any windows. Finally, between 1459 and 1462 the church was slightly extended
and a new facade was built, reusing the portals of the previous facade.

Keywords : Architecture, late medieval, canonics, Asti, Piedmont.