After the earthquake of 1570, architect Alberto Schiatti was commissioned to build the shrine of Saints Philip and James on several
pre-existing sites.
In the early 17th century, however, new saints, such as Carlo Borromeo, were elevated to the
altars.
Giovanbattista Aleotti builds the church of St. Charles
right on Schiatti’s shrine.
The church of St. Charles is revolutionary in the city both for its elliptical plan, typical of the language
of proto-Baroque architecture, and for a totally new concept of interior decoration.
The most outstanding episode is certainly the fresco on the church ceiling – painted by the Ferrara-born
Giuseppe Avanzi, assisted by Giuseppe Menegatti – depicting the Madonna in Glory and
saints Charles Borromeo and Maurelius.
The church, which has already undergone work to repair the damage
caused by the 2012 earthquake, is still closed and is opened during Monumenti Aperti.
