12 May Church of S.Giorgio
CHURCH OF S.GIORGIO
LOMBARD ARCHITECTURE
◇ CULTURE ◇
1313
CONSECRATION
LOMBARD
STYLE
OPEN
VISIT
A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF
LOMBARD ARCHITECTURE OF THE XIV CENTURY
The Church of S. Giorgio, consecrated in 1313, represents a perfect example of 14th century Lombard architecture.
It is located in the square of the same name and structured on three naves. The facade has a rose window and a fresco depicting St. Christopher.
The current main altar inaugurated in 1822 after 16 years of work is in Baroque style while the tabernacle is in neoclassical style. The flooring of the church is in black Varenna marble.
The internal frescoes are of remarkable beauty: on the counter-façade, you can notice a scene from Hell with Satan holding the Antichrist in his arms. On the two cylindrical columns towards the main altar, you can find the figures of a saint with mitre and a crowned saint and which should represent Pope Gregory and Queen Theodolinda. You can also see other characters in the southern chapel, including the visible one of San Benedetto.
DISCOVER THE INTERIOR
Inside you can also admire the Polyptych of S. Giorgio (Jo Pietro de’ Brentanis, 1467) and composed of three panels and seven tiles of different sizes. You can see the Virgin seated on a throne that with one hand gives fruit to the Child, on the right S. Pietro M. da Verona and the left S. Giorgio. On the sides, there are four tablets: S. Lorenzo, S. Giovanni Battista, S. Stefano and S. Agnese. In the upper part, you find depicted from left to right: the Archangel Gabriel, the Crucifixion and the Annunciation.
The altarpiece dates back to 1553 and is the work of the Como painter Sigismondo De’ Magistris. It represents Jesus kneeling on a stone that emerges, praying from the waters of the Jordan River. While the angels assist, St. John the Baptist pours water on Jesus’ head with his right hand. The base of the square represents the Madonna with the Child in her arms. On the sides, you can observe two saints: a male figure with an armour and a palm and a female character with a vessel from which a snake appears.
The Altar Polyptych dates back to the 16th century and is a composition of wooden tablets, leftovers from an altarpiece by an unknown author.
The Polyptych of the Saints (1594, unknown author) is a very elaborate altarpiece. It has unfortunately been reduced compared to the original and comes from the lot of sacred elements of Villa Monastero. You can count 4 Saints: S. Caterina d’Alessandria and S. Lucia on the left, S. Maria Maddalena and S. Apollonia on the right. On the base are portrayed the twelve Apostles with the Lord.
Two other noteworthy details are the Altar of the Madonna of the Rosary, in baroque style and made of grey and polychrome marble and the Statue of the Madonna of the Rosary, in gilded wood.
The Confessional is the work of Giovanni Albiolo da Bellagio and dates back to 1690.
Above the walnut portal overlooking the Sacristy, you can see the stone group of the “Pietà” or “Lamentation” (15th century). In ancient times this was the door that led to the small cemetery adjacent to the church.
In a niche on the north wall, there is the Baptistery: it is composed of an inlaid black marble basin, bordered by two balustrades.
Above the walnut portal overlooking the Sacristy, you can see the stone group of the “Pietà” or “Lamentation” (15th century). In ancient times this was the door that led to the small cemetery adjacent to the church.
In a niche on the north wall, there is the Baptistery: it is composed of an inlaid black marble basin, bordered by two balustrades.
The Sacristy dates back to the mid-18th century and represents a real jewel of Lombard craftsmanship.
Lastly, the bell tower, completed in 1653.
The church is open every day from 8.30am to 7.00pm.
TIMETABLE OF HOLY MESS
Saturday at 6.00pm | Sunday at 10.30am and at 6.00pm
Contact
Parrocchia di San Giorgio
T +39 0341 830228
M varenna@chiesadimilano.it