CHIESA DI SAN FRANCESCO SAVERIO DETTA DELLA MISSIONE

The Church of San Francesco Saverio Detta della Missione dates back to 1665-1678 and is the work of architect and engraver Giovenale Boetto. The pictorial decoration is the work of Jesuit layman Andrea Pozzo, one of the most gifted and influential perspective painters of the Baroque period. The layout of the façade is austere and traditional, the interior has a more Baroque accentuation, culminating in the sumptuous scenography of the vault and apse.Andrea Pozzo's pictorial decoration transformed the entire surface of the almost flat roof into a sumptuous and colourful repertoire of decorative elements and mock architecture such as the central dome with the Glory of St Francis Xavier, one of the highest achievements of European Baroque perspective painting. Also worth seeing is the high altar, probably the only example of a 17th century altar machine that has come down to us. It is dedicated to St Francis Xavier, but is called 'La Missione' because, after the suppression of the Order, it was entrusted to the Missionary Fathers of St Vincent de Paul.The imposing building is connected with the space in front through a high balcony accessed via two side staircases of different lengths. The stairs are a scenic element and make it possible to overcome the steep slope of the site.Pozzo also made the high altar, which is part of a particular typology, widespread in the Baroque era, of which very few testimonies remain: the altar machine. This is a real theatrical device made of wood, cardboard and sheet metal, which was used for the main religious celebrations of the liturgical year.Also by Andrea Pozzo is the altar on the right, dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows. The church is part of the Integrated Urban System Mondovì City of Art and Culture.