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Church of Saint George in Varenna
Varenna and surrounding
Architecture,  Temples, Churches
Architecture, 
Temples, Churches

After the great Emperor Frederick Barbarossa had destroyed the ancient cities on the picturesque shores of Lake Como, this land was inhabited by exiles. They founded the wonderful town of Varenna, which looks more like a fishing village today. Travelers are attracted to this area by the pedestrian Patriarch's Greenway Path with a panoramic view of the town, the Milk River (Fiumellatte) that is only 250 meters long, the aromas of the ancient botanical garden, and the creepy ghost statues in the stone Castle of Vezio. But the main reason why hundreds of tourists and religious pilgrims visit Varenna is the inspiring Catholic masses in the ancient churches, including the main shrine of the town, the charming medieval Church of Saint George.

The ancient Catholic church with a high stone bell tower was built in the 12th century and decorated with charming frescoes in the 16th-17th centuries. This religious building consists of three naves separated by slender columns. The columns are supported by high pointed arches that make the church look like an airy structure. The monumental bell tower was added to the church in the middle of the 17th century. Previously, a more modest Romanesque bell tower that could not stand the test of time towered in its place. However, the most noteworthy part of the church exterior is its central facade, which combines several architectural styles and is decorated with a unique fresco depicting Saint Christopher.

The interior decoration is even more impressive. Above the main 18th-century marble altar, there is a fresco from the Triptych of Saint George, as well as a huge wooden crucifix dating from the 16th century. Two more amazing frescoes depicting Pope Gregory the Great and Queen Theodelinda of Lombardy adorn the side altars. In addition, there are 15 handwritten icons with images of Catholic saints and a canvas depicting the Madonna and Child. Back in the middle of the 20th century, there were paintings with images of Saint Anthony and Saint Lucia, but they were barbarously stolen from the church in 1975.

Address: Piazza S. Giorgio, 25

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Praskovia Ko

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