Interior view

The large church of Santissimo Salvatore in Bologna was designed in 1605 by Mazenta and erected by Tommaso Martelli (active 1575-1633) between 1613 and 1623. Inspired by the large halls of Roman thermae, Mazenta here monumentalised the North Italian tradition of using free-standing columns in the nave. By virtue of this motif, the nave appears isolated from the domed area. In addition, the large central chapels with arches rising to the whole height of the vaulting of the nave look like a transverse axis and strengthen the impression that the nave is centred upon itself. Early Baroque in its massiveness, Santissimo Salvatore was destined to exercise an important influence on the planning of longitudinal churches.

View the ground plan of Santissimo Salvatore, Bologna.