Santissimo Salvatore

In the heart of Terracina, Italy, stands the magnificent Santissimo Salvatore, a neoclassical masterpiece that beckons visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. Known locally as Chiesa del Santissimo Salvatore, this church is not just a place of worship but a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the region. Opened for worship in 1843, it remains one of the most cherished landmarks for the people of Terracina.

The Birth of a Neoclassical Gem

The story of Santissimo Salvatore begins in the late 18th century, during the neoclassical period. The initial project was conceived towards the end of this era, but the construction faced numerous delays due to the turbulent political climate of the time, including the Napoleonic upheavals that swept across Europe. Despite these challenges, the church's main structures were completed by 1845, as proudly inscribed on the pediment of its grand colonnaded portico.

Pope Pius VII, who reigned from 1800 to 1823, played a crucial role in addressing the spiritual needs of the Marina district by establishing the Parish of Santa Maria di Porto Salvo in 1804. It wasn't until 1831 that the construction of the new church, Santissimo Salvatore, finally commenced.

Architectural Brilliance

The architectural genius behind Santissimo Salvatore is Antonio Sarti, a young urban planner and professor at the Academy of San Luca. Sarti, a native of Budrio, was appointed to design the church in 1830. His design earned a gold medal at the 1864 Universal Exposition in London, solidifying his reputation as one of Italy's foremost neoclassical architects.

Sarti's vision for the church included a stunning pronaos, or portico, which is now one of its most admired features. The portico, with its majestic columns, was designed to create a sense of grandeur and reverence. The faithful execution of Sarti's design was carried out by architect Luigi Mollari, who also oversaw the final arrangement of the Esedra, now known as Piazza Garibaldi.

A Grand Inauguration

The construction of Santissimo Salvatore spanned approximately fifteen years, covering the entire pontificate of Pope Gregory XVI (1831-1846). On May 1, 1843, Pope Gregory XVI visited Terracina for the second time to inaugurate the new port structures. The church, though still incomplete, had the honor of hosting a Mass celebrated by the Pope himself on a grand wooden altar hastily prepared by the local carpenters in just one night.

This wooden altar, despite its temporary nature, held significant historical value. It was carefully preserved and artistically crafted, eventually finding a place in the Chapel of the Pietà, also known as the mortuary chapel. Unfortunately, the altar was lost during World War II when it collapsed under the weight of sandbags used to protect the Pietà statue.

Architectural Grandeur

In public and private documents, Santissimo Salvatore is often referred to as the New Church or the Great Church. The dedication of the church to the Savior is prominently displayed on the exterior with the inscription DEO SALVATORI.

Originally, the church was dedicated to Saint Pius V, in honor of Pope Pius VI, the founder of New Terracina. The task of designing the new sacred building was initially entrusted to the renowned Roman architect Giuseppe Valadier, known for his work on Piazza del Popolo in Rome and the Pincio Gardens. Valadier's project included the construction of the church and an adjoining convent to promote priestly vocations and provide education to the youth of Terracina.

However, the Dominicans, who were to oversee the convent, eventually abandoned the project due to insufficient funds and the reopening of the old Convent of San Domenico in Terracina. With the Dominicans' withdrawal, Valadier's compact architectural vision, which included a unified façade for the church and convent, was never realized.

A Vision for Terracina's Renaissance

The construction of Santissimo Salvatore was part of a grand vision for the revitalization of Terracina. The church's dimensions are impressive, with the main axis measuring approximately 80 meters in length, 30 meters in width, and a total surface area of over 2,000 square meters, including the chapels. This grand temple, envisioned by Pope Pius VI, was meant to be a central element in the rebirth of Terracina.

Tragically, Pope Pius VI did not live to see the church's foundations laid. His pontificate came to a dramatic end when he was taken prisoner by Napoleon and died in France on August 29, 1799. A plaque on the left pilaster of the main altar's transept commemorates the poignant conclusion of Pius VI's papacy and the unrealized construction of the church.

Today, Santissimo Salvatore stands as a symbol of resilience and faith, a testament to the enduring spirit of Terracina. Its neoclassical beauty, historical significance, and architectural brilliance make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this charming Italian city.