The Church of San Sisto in Piacenza is an excellent example of Renaissance architecture.<\/p>\n
History of San Sisto<\/h3>\n
It has very ancient origins: Empress Angilberga<\/strong>, wife of Emperor Louis the Pious, founded it in 874 with an adjoining Benedictine convent. In 882, Angilberga also became abbess of the monastery and died there in 889. \nIn 1112, at the behest of Matilda of Canossa<\/strong>, the monastery was ceded to Benedictine monks. They, in turn, had to cede it to the nuns of St. Clare of the Order of St. Damian and then to St. Sixtus and St. Francis.<\/p>\n
Architecture and works<\/h3>\n
The current church was built between 1499 and 1511 and is Alessio Tramello’s first work (in sacred architecture). \nThe fa\u00e7ade<\/strong>, modified in the 18th century, is preceded by a large porticoed courtyard. \nThe interior of the Church of San Sisto, with its three naves, is a fine example of early Renaissance architecture, with beautiful paintings by Procaccini, Pittoni, Palma il Giovane and dei Campi<\/strong>.<\/p>\n