Overview
The basilica was built in 1500-1551 by the patron Sebastiano Ferrero and dedicated to the saint whose name it bore. A fine example of Renaissance architecture, towards the end of the 19th century, the original façade was replaced with the present one. The interior is both harmonious and elegant. The three naves are separated by slender columns with ornate pulvinus in bas-relief. The barrel vault of the nave and the apse feature frescoes by Gerolamo Tornielli, while the Evangelists in the dome are by Rodolfo Morgari. On the altar of the chapel that closes the right nave is the beautiful altarpiece of the Assumption by Bernardino Lanino (1543) with Sacro Monte di Varallo in the background. On the right wall of the presbytery is Marco Cardisco's altarpiece depicting St Augustine, St Sebastian, a bishop saint and the donor. In the apse, you can admire the beautiful carvings of the wooden choir and lectern, the work of Gerolamo Mellis, dated 1545. The church cloister houses the Biella Territory Museum.
Via Quintino Sella, 54-56, 13900 Biella BI, Italia
