The Chiesa di San Giorgio is the parish church of Varenna and faces the square of the same name, in the centre of the village. It is an example of 14th-century Lombard architecture and is the starting point of the stretch of the Sentiero del Viandante described on this site.
History
The building was constructed from the mid-13th century, when the population of Varenna had grown enough to require a new church, and it was consecrated in 1313.
What to see
- The layout of three naves with cross vaults, with pillars in stone in the lower part and brick in the upper part.
- The facade, with a wide circular oculus and, to the right of the central doorway, a large fresco of San Cristoforo.
- The 13th-century frescoes: on the columns, a saint in bishop’s robes identified as Pope Gregory the Great and a crowned female saint, linked by tradition to Queen Teodolinda, who is also connected to the Castello di Vezio. On the counter-facade, a scene of Hell.
- The late-15th-century polyptych, made up of thirteen wooden panels: at the centre the enthroned Madonna and Child with music-making angels. Two panels, with Saints Lucy and Anthony, were stolen in 1977.
- In the left-hand chapel, the Baptism of Christ by Sigismondo de Magistris, dated 1533.
- In the right-hand chapel, a 16th-century triptych with the Madonna and Child between San Martino and San Giorgio.
- The confessional carved by Giovanni Albiolo in 1690.
- The main altar in marble with inlay and the floor in black Varenna marble.
Getting there
The church is in the centre of Varenna, a few steps from the ferry landing and the passeggiata degli Innamorati. Varenna is served by the Varenna-Esino-Perledo railway station, on the Milan–Tirano line, and by the Lake Como ferries. From here the Sentiero del Viandante towards Dervio first reaches Fiumelatte, a little to the south, then climbs back up towards Vezio.
Practical information
The church is open for worship. For visiting hours and the schedule of services, please refer to the parish of Varenna.