Little Church Gravedona lake Como

Church of Madonna de la Soledad (Solitudine)

This church belonged to the noble family Motti of Gravedona. It was built between XVII and XVIII centuries facing the last square of the old village centre, Piazza Mazzini. Two large windows light the few frescos which are kept inside the church: Here we find paintings of St. Michael, a Madonna, St. Anthony abbot and Christ on the cross. Above the sole alter there is a "rocaille" decoration which embellishes the sole polygonal abse. Of unique interest is the leather alter-cloth decorated with floral motifs which centrally portrays the image of the Madonna of Solitude.

The statue of the Virgin Mary wears a halo and a black cloak over a white embroidered dress, and she holds a rosary in her hands. In the loneliness of her deep and desperate torment, she prays in silent emptiness. The statue is kept in a starry niche and is repeatedly edged by the writing 'Consolàtrix afflictòrum' and by a beaming almond. In the past it is believed that the church was dedicated to soldiers both because of its degraded aspect of the building and because of the pained and contrite image of the Madonna; this was however due to an error of translation by the local people. In fact, thanks to the knowledge of the Spanish language we have discovered the exact translation which is "Solidarity".

The Chapel of S.Abbondio

It was built at the entrance of Gravedona by the bridge over the River Liro. Because of its position many passers-by would stop, wishing to strengthen their spirits and refresh their bodies. This small holy building, once dedicated to the Madonna of the Springs, was destroyed by an inundation of the Liro and only after its restoration in the 1600s was it dedicated to Saint Abbondio, fifth Bishop of Como, protector of the Dioces and first organizer of the mother-Parishes of his territory. Inside, on the end wall there is a beautiful 1700s trompe l'oeil which welcomes the visitor and above the polycrome alter one can admire a fresco depicting "The Holy Virgin and the Saints Rocco and Vincent".

On the map:

	Gallio Palace This impressive construction which dominates the town was built onto a jutting and rocky spit between the mountains and the lake. The magnificent dwelling place was ordered in 1586 by Cardinal Tolomeo Gallio, Secretary of State at the servic ... More »
	Santa Maria del Tiglio In Gravedona traces of medieval times are found along the banks, there where the lakeside reveals a rare and beautiful church: St. Maria del Tiglio. Its architectural design made the 'Maestri Comacini' famous then and renders proud the people ... More »
	San Vincenzo Built in roman style around 1072 over a V century paleochristian basilica with three naves and three arches. Parts of the external walls and apses of the old building are still visible; even the crypt, dedicated to St.Anthony, could be in the initia ... More »
	Santa Maria delle Grazie - (The Convent) The church and the augustan convent were founded in 1467 on the same spot where the presence of an early-medieval church dedicated to Our Saviour was recorded. It was the property of the friers up to 1772. The convent was then sold to private ow ... More »
	Santi Gusmeo e Matteo The roman church is surrounded by a large garden of plane trees. It is traditionally thought to have been erected over the site where the two Martyrs were tortured to death and then buried. It is believed that their bodies were found towards the seco ... More »
	Little Church Church of Madonna de la Soledad (Solitudine) This church belonged to the noble family Motti of Gravedona. It was built between XVII and XVIII centuries facing the last square of the old village centre, Piazza Mazzini. Two large windows l ... More »
	Church of hamlet Church of San Carlo - (hamlet Travisa) The small church, positioned half way up the mountain between Santa Croce and Gravedona is dedicated to St. Carlo Borromeo who was the main collaborator of the Council of Trento. It was built in XVII ... More »

Little Church

Church of Madonna de la Soledad (Solitudine)

The Chapel of S.Abbondio

On the map:

Gallio Palace

Santa Maria del Tiglio

San Vincenzo

Santa Maria delle Grazie - (The Convent)

Santi Gusmeo e Matteo

Little Church

Church of Madonna de la Soledad (Solitudine)

Church of hamlet

Church of San Carlo - (hamlet Travisa)

Vedi anche:

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« Monuments and Churches

« Art in northern Lake Como

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