San Nicolao is a former church in the historic centre of Bellano, first recorded in a document from 1295 as a site linked to a convent of the Umiliati, the lay religious community suppressed by Pope Pius V in 1571. After being deconsecrated, the building was used as a warehouse for the Gavazzi silk factory.
The restoration and the exhibition space
In 2024 the former church underwent a restoration that created a double mezzanine inside, preserving the building’s historic height while expanding its exhibition space. The ground floor is now dedicated to temporary contemporary art exhibitions; the upper floor holds the permanent collection of embossed and chased copperwork by artist Danilo Vitali.
What to see
San Nicolao is part, together with the Orrido di Bellano and the Museo Giancarlo Vitali, of the “BAC Bellano Arte Cultura” route: a combined ticket covering all three attractions is available.
Practical information
- Address: Via San Nicolao 9, Bellano.
- Opening hours and tickets (including the combined ticket with Orrido and Museo Giancarlo Vitali) are kept up to date on discoveringbellano.eu: hours change over the season, so it is worth checking before visiting.