The Church of San Sebastiano, designed by Leon Battista Alberti starting in 1460, is one of the first examples of a central plan in the Renaissance. Today it serves as a war memorial for the fallen and is located a stone’s throw from the center of Mantua. Before visiting, here is the essential information.
– Alberti’s masterpiece: Greek cross interior with cross vault and three apses.
– Original façade: the upper register preserves the tympanum and Syrian arch, while the side stairs date back to 1925-26.
– How to visit: it is located on Via Giovanni Acerbi; the combined ticket also grants access to MACA and Palazzo Te.
– For whom: architecture and history enthusiasts, combined with a walk in the center of Mantua.
Events nearby
Church of San Sebastiano, the Albertian temple in Mantua: Greek cross plan, original façade and role as a war memorial. Hours, tickets and how to get there.
- Largo XXIV Maggio, Mantova (MN)
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Chiesa di San Sebastiano a Mantova
Itineraries nearby
💡 Did You Know…?
Curiosity: the original purpose of the temple is still uncertain, perhaps it was intended to be the Gonzaga sepulchre. The religious authorities deemed it similar to a pagan temple, and the continuous movements of Alberti and Fancelli slowed down the works. During the 1922-25 restoration, the building became a shrine: the side stairs and new openings changed its appearance, but an original 15th-century staircase is still visible in the side loggia.