Basilica of St. Domenico, Bologna
Bologna, Italy
Visitor Information
Museum Address
Piazza San Domenico 13, 40124 Bologna, Italy
Bologna, Italy
Ticket Prices
Free (active church)
Featured Artists
1 artists in database
The Basilica of San Domenico in Bologna has been a Dominican church since 1251 and holds the marble tomb of St. Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order. The tomb, known as the Arca di San Domenico, was started by Nicola Pisano and his workshop in the 1260s. Over two centuries later, a young Michelangelo was called in to carve additional figures for the monument.
Michelangelo created three marble sculptures for the Arca around 1494-1495, when he was just 19 years old: Angel with Candlestick, St. Proculus, and St. Petronius. The Angel is often compared to its counterpart by Nicola dell'Arca, and the difference shows Michelangelo's Renaissance naturalism breaking from the older Gothic style. The church is free to enter and sits on Piazza San Domenico, a quiet square in Bologna's university quarter.
Basilica of St. Domenico, Bologna in Bologna, Italy houses 3 masterpieces in our database, including works by Michelangelo. Notable works include St. Proculus and St. Petronius.
Famous Works at Basilica of St. Domenico, Bologna
Browse 3 notable artworks in our database. Click any work to see details and plan your visit.
Visiting Basilica of St. Domenico, Bologna
Michelangelo carved three marble figures around 1494: Angel with Candlestick, St. Proculus, and St. Petronius. He was only 19 when he made them.
It's the marble tomb of St. Dominic, founder of the Dominican Order. Nicola Pisano started it in the 1260s. Michelangelo added figures over 200 years later. The Renaissance and Gothic carvings sit side by side.
Yes, entry is free. It's an active church, so dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees). Michelangelo's sculptures are in the chapel on the right side of the nave. The church is open daily with typical Italian church hours.
On Piazza San Domenico in Bologna's old city, south of Piazza Maggiore. It's a quiet square in the university quarter. The Renaissance sculptures are a short walk from Bologna's famous leaning towers and covered porticoes.
Michelangelo fled Florence in 1494 after the Medici were expelled. He stayed in Bologna about a year, where a local patron arranged the San Domenico commission. The Angel with Candlestick already shows his skill at bringing marble to life.
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Browse Our CollectionPlease note: Artwork locations and display status may change. Some paintings may be on loan, in restoration, or moved to different galleries within the museum. We recommend contacting Basilica of St. Domenico, Bologna directly to confirm specific artwork availability before your visit.
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