The Basilica of San Gerardo has been rebuilt and expanded on its original site in several phases. After the Canonization in 1904, the flow of pilgrims grew to such an extent that enlarging the temple in honor of St. Gerardo became a primary urgency. On October 16, 1913, the expansion work began and was completed on August 31, 1929, with the consecration conducted by the Archbishop of Naples, Cardinal Alessio Ascalesi. On February 18, 1930, Pope Pius XI granted the title of Minor Basilica. Diocesan documents passed down to us indicate that the façade of the Basilica was in neoclassical style and built with Pescopagano stone, featuring an interior in a Latin cross layout. It had three naves with a double arch system, and the ceiling was adorned with gilded stuccos and ornamental paintings. The stained glass windows depicted episodes from the life of the Saint. In 1931, the statue of “Materdomini” was crowned with a golden diadem by the Vatican Chapter. All this wealth of art and devotion was destroyed by the terrible earthquake on November 23, 1980.
Twenty years later, on April 30, 2000, during the Great Jubilee, the Basilica was restored to worship. No longer rich with many friezes and frescoes, it has been rebuilt on the same plan as the previous structure, appearing somewhat elongated since the entrance portico has been incorporated. Another change is the placement of the Saint’s tomb, which is no longer located at the altar of the right nave, where the statue of St. Gerardo remains, but at the center of the church behind a beautiful marble alto-relief, where the new crystal, silver, and mother-of-pearl urn containing the body of St. Gerardo can be glimpsed.