Relic with Christ’s Blood in Basilica di Sant’andrea Mantua

If you have landed on my this post it means you are planning to visit Basilica di Sant’Andrea in Mantua. I am sure, like me, you too are a fan of old historic cathedrals. You will find here in this post all about Basilica di Sant’Andrea Cathedral.

How to reach Basilica of Sant’Andrea Mantova

First things first: here are transportation modes on how to reach Mantua. To reach Mantua, you have several transportation options depending on your starting location. We started from Milan, early morning, after a sumptuous breakfast. On the way we halted at two cities; first at Mantua and then at Modena. Distance between Mantua to Modena is 74.5 km.

My road trips are planned in such a manner that I try and fit in as many UNESCO World Heritage sites as possible. Mantua was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 based on its renaissance planning and architecture.
Here are a few common ways to reach Mantua:
By Air: The nearest major airports to Mantua are Verona Airport (VRN) 30 km away and Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is 100 km away. From either airport, you can take a train or a combination of train and bus to reach Mantua.
By Train: Mantua has a train station called “Mantova” that is well-connected to other cities in Italy. You can take a train from various major cities such as Milan 183 km, Venice 155 km, Florence 215 km, and Rome 470 km to reach Mantua. The Church of Sant’andrea is located in the northeastern part of the city 1 km away from the Mantua railway station.
By Car: If you prefer to drive, Mantua is accessible by car via the A4 (Autostrada del Brennero) highway. We did the road trip from Milan to Mantua; distance of 188 km. Driving in the historic center of Mantua is restricted, so we had to park outside the city walls and walk. You can use public transportation to explore the city.
By Bus: There are also bus services that connect Mantua with other cities in Italy. You can check for bus routes and schedules from different bus operators, such as FlixBus or SIA, depending on your starting location. The closest bus stop is Verdi, about 80 meters away, on the bus Line CC.

Once you have arrived in Mantua, the city is compact and easily navigable on foot. Many of the main attractions, including the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, are located in the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Public buses are available for traveling within the city if needed.

Please do check the specific transportation options and schedules based on your travel dates and starting location to plan your journey to Mantua effectively.

Basilica di Sant’Andrea Mantua

Basilica di Sant’andrea

Besides being the UNESCO site, another reason to halt in Mantua was to visit Basilica di Sant’Andrea. I read up that this church is reputed to safeguard the Sacred Vessels that hold ‘the earth soaked with blood of Christ’.

But I missed out on the fact that the Church closes for an hour and half midday. So we ended up spending more time in Mantua waiting for the church to open. During this period we toured the other must sees there. Read here: Mantua Self Guided Walking Tour

Veneration of Revered Relic

In the fifteenth century, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea in Mantua gained significant fame and drew numerous pilgrims due to the veneration of a revered relic: drops of Christ’s blood supposedly collected during the Crucifixion. The belief in the authenticity of these holy drops played a crucial role in attracting devout Christians from far and wide.

According to popular belief, when Jesus was crucified, drops of his blood were miraculously collected and preserved. Over time, these drops were said to have been obtained by various individuals and eventually found their way to Mantua. The Basilica of Sant’Andrea became the designated location for the safekeeping and veneration of this precious relic.

The presence of such a significant relic in the city elevated the status of the basilica and made Mantova an important pilgrimage site. Pilgrims from all walks of life traveled to Mantua, drawn by their faith and the desire to connect with this sacred relic. Their journeys to the Basilica of Sant’Andrea were driven by a deep devotion to Christ and the belief that venerating the relic could bring about spiritual blessings, healing, and divine intervention.

Interior Basilica di Sant’Andrea Mantua

How Mantua got Famous

The influx of pilgrims had a profound impact on the local community and the development of Mantua as a center of religious devotion. It brought economic prosperity to the city, as the pilgrims required lodging, food, and other amenities during their visits. The increased flow of people also led to the growth of trade and the establishment of various religious institutions, such as hospitals, hostels, and charitable organizations, to support the needs of the pilgrims.

The veneration of the drops of Christ’s blood at the Basilica of Sant’Andrea continued for centuries, perpetuating the fame and significance of the cathedral. While the authenticity of such relics is a matter of faith and belief; their presence played a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural fabric of Mantua and leaving a lasting impact on the history of the city and its religious heritage.

Interior Basilica di Sant’Andrea Mantova

History of Sant’Andrea Mantua

Here is the timeline of the church of sant andrea

• 1046: The first church dedicated to Sant’Andrea is built on the site at the request of Beatrice of Lotharingia, following the discovery of the relic of the Blood of Christ.
• 1055: The building of the church is completed on the ruins of the Hospital of Sant’Andrea and adjacent to the monastery built by Bishop Itolfo in 1037.
• 1049: A second relic is discovered, leading to the rebuilding of the Benedictine monastery. Gothic bell tower and one side of the cloister are the only visible remains from the original monastery.
• 1472: The church undergoes a rebuilding project initiated by architect Leon Battista Alberti, commissioned by Ludovico III Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantua.
• 1482: The chapels of the church are completed.
• 1488: The facade of the church is completed.
• 1494: Works on the church are temporarily halted.
• 1530: Works on the church are resumed.
• 1597: Lateral arms are added to the church, and the crypt is completed.
• 1732: Filippo Juvarra builds the dome of the church, which stands at 80 meters in height with a diameter of 25 meters. It is one of the largest domes in Italy.

Chiesa di Sant’andrea

Interior of Basilica di Sant’andrea

The church is huge, dimly lit inside.  I was hoping to see the relic in real, but on getting there I came to know the sacred containers are beneath a marble octagon in front of the altar. They are taken out for public display and paraded in the town every year on Good Friday.

It is believed that Longinus, the Roman soldier who speared Christ on the cross, is said to have scooped up the earth and buried it in Mantua after leaving Palestine.

Why Church of Sant’Andrea Mantua is worth visiting

The Basilica di Sant’Andrea, also known as the Cathedral of Sant’Andrea, is located in Mantua, Italy. The facade is adorned with beautiful sculptures and decorative elements, showcasing the artistic mastery of the period. The church has interesting interior architectural details too. Basilica Sant Andrea is famous for several reasons:

Architecture: The Basilica di Sant’Andrea is a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. It was designed by the renowned architect Leon Battista Alberti in the 15th century. The cathedral features a Latin cross plan with a central nave and two side aisles.

Relics of Saint Andrew: The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Andrew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. It is believed to house relics of Saint Andrew, which were brought to Mantua in the 11th century. These relics have attracted pilgrims and visitors for centuries, making the cathedral an important religious destination.

Artistic Masterpieces: The Basilica di Sant’Andrea houses a significant collection of artistic masterpieces. The interior is adorned with frescoes, paintings, and sculptures by renowned artists such as Andrea Mantegna, Pisanello, and Luca Fancelli. The most notable artwork is Mantegna’s “San Sebastiano,” a stunning fresco located in the San Longino Chapel.

Ceiling San Andrea Mantua

Cultural Significance: The cathedral has played a significant role in the cultural history of Mantua. It served as the coronation site for the Gonzaga family, who ruled over the city during the Renaissance. The cathedral’s grandeur and artistic richness reflect the wealth and power of the Gonzaga dynasty, contributing to Mantua’s status as a center of Renaissance culture.

Basilica di Sant’Andrea Mantua Tourism Info

Address: Piazza Andrea Mantegna, 1, 46100 Mantova MN, Italy
Google coordinates: 45.15904237817459, 10.79435570941009
Timings: Every day, from 8.00 am to 12.00 am and from 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm.
Tickets: It is a free sight.

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