San Giacomo

via Lorenzo Perosi, 37 - 15057 Tortona (AL)
Tel. +39 (0131) 861.025
E-mail: beniculturali@diocesitortona.it
https://www.cittaecattedrali.it/it/bces/38-chiesa-di-san-giacomo-tortona

St. James' Church is an exquisite example of late-Baroque architecture, beautiful because it has not undergone significant changes over the centuries, and because it is realised in a sober style, without that excessive decorative style which often characterises the art of that period. The current church was consecrated in 1784, but its origins are medieval. Documents show that in 1252 a "hospital" entrusted to the Confraternity of the Templars stood next to the church and gave hospitality to the numerous pilgrims heading to Santiago di Compostella. In the 18th century the old church was in ruins, so it was demolished and rebuilt thanks to the Cardinal of Tortona Carlo Alberto Guidobono Cavalchini. This is recalled by a memorial inside, to the right of the balustrade of the high altar. The cardinal entrusted the reconstruction of the building to the Milanese architect Carlo Riccardi and work began in 1770.
The facade extends over the narrow space of via Lorenzo Perosi: it is embellished with a string-course cornice, Corinthian capitals sculpted in marble from Varallo, two stone statues of angels and the large stone noble coat of arms of Cardinal Guidobono Cavalchini (in light blue and gold bands, with a crowned black eagle) topped by a cardinal’s hat.
The elegant interior has rich ornamentation, which unfolds on the walls of the only nave. A characteristic feature of the Church are the choirs which from above face onto the nave and the side chapels, perhaps once reserved to the upper classes. They are closed by a balustrade in stone from Serravalle, with grates in painted and gilded wood. The two side chapels have a balustrade and altar in polychrome marbles, stylistically attributable to a Lombard workshop of the mid-18th century.