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THE CHIESA DI SAN GAETANO (CHURCH OF ST. GAETANO), Via Carlo Alberto - Treviso |
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The Chiesa di San Gaetano (Church of St. Gaetano) is situated in the centre of Treviso in Via Carlo
Alberto. It was raised in the beginning of 13th century together the hospice; the apse and some Romanesque
frescoes are the only demonstrations of old building near the bell tower. |
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The Chiesa di San Gaetano - 1846 Antonio Nani's engraving (Biblioteca Comunale di Treviso) |
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In the beginning of the 14th century the Pope
Clemente V issued an official Papal bull which abolished the Templar order, thus the Church was confiscated
by Gerosolimitani friars (monastic and knightly order, today known as "Knights of Malta") who called
it "St. Giovanni al tempio". In the beginning of the 16th century the Chiesa di San Gaetano (Church of St. Gaetano) was renovated
profoundly how it is written on a tablet placed on main door. This renovation, wanted by the prior Ludovico
Marcello, allowed the Church to keep fit until today. During the church history, the cult and the name,
which were celebrate in it, changed from original "St. Battista del Tempio" to the present name "St. Gaetano
from Thiene" out of regard for the Saint from Vicenza. |
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There are other demonstrations of old building
also, one among the smallest churches in Treviso; they may be seen when we look at the semicircular plan
of bell tower, the small hanging arches and the trabeation of South façade (made by Giacomo from Lago di
Como in 1504). An ornamental frescoed frieze and an image of the Christ Child’s baptism, placed on the
tympan, adorn the South façade. |
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In 1509 the Church was renovated by the master Antonio Maria
from Milano. In the half of 1700 a second restructuring concerned the church, the original Gothic look
gave up one’s seat to today look with it: today the church has many paintings bordered by stucco cornices.
In 1770 an organ (with 23 pipes) was placed in the church, this organ was made by Gaetano Callido from Venice,
after it was modified by the organ maker Tolfo from San Vito al Tagliamento. He replaced some pipes of organ
causing essential modifications to its sound. After some centuries, in 1993, the organ was restored by the
organ maker Francesco Zuin from Codroipo who restored it and thus the organ recovered its original sound. |
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The Chiesa di San Gaetano today |
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