The presence of the church dedicated to St. Paul is documented from 1295.
In later centuries the
church became the parish of the Estense House.
The ancient church, enlarged several times, has
however nothing to do with the basilica we know today, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1570 and
consecrated in 1611.
The church designed by architect Alberto Schiatti adheres to the dictates of the Council of Trent: a
Latin cross with three naves, raised above the churchyard, with abundant decoration and reassuring
for the faithful.
In the facade, Schiatti harmoniously combines local themes and Roman-influenced architecture.
Inside, the nave with its pillars, arches, entablature, and ceiling are all decorated with
chiaroscuro and gold.
In 2024, restoration work was completed to repair damage caused by the 2012 earthquake, which
had forced a long closure of the church.
