Parish Church of San Nicolao

Site overview

The church is situated on an old cemetery that also included part of what is now the square. The existing church dates back to the mid-16th century. Its Baroque-style brick façade was designed by Carlo Maria Castelli, who adeptly combined elements from Guarini and Juvarra, resulting in a distinctive and original design constructed between 1745 and 1748.

The interior comprises three naves; the high altar is surmounted by a wooden statue of San Nicolao, flanked by two bishops. On the right is a “Lourdes grotto”, a well-known ex-voto from the people of Coassolo, who returned from the 1915–1918 conflict. Also notable is the altar of the Holy Cross, in gilded wood, in the Baroque style. Of great artistic value is the altar dedicated to St Joseph and the Saints, the work of Defendente Ferrari.

The throne and statue of Our Lady of the Rosary, also in gilded wood, are of fine quality, as is the altar of the Holy Face. The building is a national monument. Of particular value is the organ, built in 1856 and housed in the spacious gallery above the central door.