Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista
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Chiesa di San Giovanni Bellagio

4.5
·60 reviews·Bellagio, Italy

A stunning baroque church by Bellagio's picturesque port, offering rich art and serene lakeside views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista

Chiesa di San Giovanni Bellagio

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning baroque church by Bellagio's picturesque port, offering rich art and serene lakeside views.

4.5
(60 reviews)

"Really beautiful interior and lovely location by the port."

Vertical photo
TIP

🕊️ Respectful Visits

Remember this is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor inside.

📸 Capture the Beauty

The church's location by the port offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Baroque Facade

Baroque Facade

Church Exterior

Admire the elegant baroque facade, a testament to the 1785 restoration, offering a striking visual against the lake backdrop.

Rich Interior Artistry

Rich Interior Artistry

Church Interior

Marvel at the ornate altar, stucco decorations, frescoes, and significant artworks, including pieces attributed to Gaudenzio Ferrari.

Lakeside Port Views

Lakeside Port Views

Church Entrance

Enjoy the picturesque setting right by the delightful little port, offering lovely views and a gateway to Bellagio's charm.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Bellagio's Church

To experience the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista without the peak crowds, aim for weekdays outside of summer holidays. Early mornings or late afternoons offer a more serene visit, allowing you to fully appreciate its baroque beauty and lakeside setting. Check local event schedules for potential festivals.

Access and Amenities

The church is located near the charming port of Bellagio, making it easily accessible. While specific accessibility details for the interior aren't widely publicized, the exterior and immediate surroundings are generally navigable. Free public parking is available nearby, a welcome convenience for visitors arriving by car.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on facade
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Autumn unfolds at the #BellagioConservatory with Fabulous Fall: A Glamorous Harvest. Celebrate the season’s elegance, leaf by leaf, petal by petal. Now open for you to enjoy. #FYP #Fall
@bellagio
171.2K likes • 1M views

🕊️ Respectful Visits

Remember this is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor inside. Instagram

📸 Capture the Beauty

The church's location by the port offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. Instagram

hotel rec in #bellagio 💐 #lakecomo #hotelrec #italytraveltips
@getlostmore
35.4K likes • 413.1K views
Day 10 Lake Como *La Cathedral E La Diocesi Di Como Nei Secoli - 1936 (il duomo di com) *Bellagio-Chiesa di San Giorgio, Chiesa di San Giacomo, JFK Memorial, Famous Street, Punto Panoramica *Ferry to Varenna- Parrocchia San Giorgio Varenna * Chiesa San Giovanni Battista * Villa Monastero * Chiesa Di S. Antonio Abate Di Vezio * Castello di Vezio- Le Segrete
rispect504
3 likes • 63 views

📅 Check Festival Dates

The feast of San Giovanni in summer brings a torchlight procession and festival – a unique experience! Reddit

🅿️ Convenient Parking

Free public parking is available nearby, making arrival hassle-free. Reddit

Bellagio è una delle località più belle che si trovano sul lago di Como. Stradine lastricate, edifici eleganti, la Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista che si affaccia sul lago, Villa Serbelloni che è uno splendido hotel, le passeggiate sul romantico lungomare. Tutto ciò e non solo rendono questo posto uno dei più visitati dello splendido lago di Como. 📸autori vari 🇮🇹 🚤 ♡
carpee_di
2 likes • 135 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🕊️ Respectful Visits

Remember this is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor inside. Instagram

📸 Capture the Beauty

The church's location by the port offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during golden hour. Instagram

📅 Check Festival Dates

The feast of San Giovanni in summer brings a torchlight procession and festival – a unique experience! Reddit

🅿️ Convenient Parking

Free public parking is available nearby, making arrival hassle-free. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(60 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista for its beautiful baroque interior and its stunning location by Bellagio's charming port. Many appreciate the rich artwork and historical significance, finding it a peaceful and visually rewarding stop. While generally free to enter, some note the importance of respectful behavior during services.

"A beautiful church. The Sunday service was a joy to participate in."

Robert Vertullo

"Really beautiful interior"

Claire J.

"Lovely location"

Geoff Crombie

What People Like

Beautiful baroque interior
Lovely lakeside location
Rich artwork and history

What People Dislike

Can be crowded during festivals

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located in Bellagio, easily accessible by ferry from other Lake Como towns like Varenna or Como city. If arriving by car, there is free public parking nearby. TikTokReddit

Yes, Bellagio is a popular day trip from Milan. You can take a train from Milan to Como and then a ferry to Bellagio. TikTok

Ferries are the most scenic and practical way to hop between towns on Lake Como, including Bellagio. TikTokInstagram

Absolutely! The church is situated near the delightful little port, a short and pleasant walk from the ferry landing stage. Reddit

During summer months, a train service connects the church area to Bellagio, offering a convenient option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the church itself is typically free, as it is an active place of worship. Donations are always appreciated. Instagram

While specific hours can vary, churches in Italy are generally open during daylight hours, especially in tourist areas. It's best to check locally or visit during typical daytime hours. Instagram

No, there is generally no entrance fee to visit the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista. Reddit

Yes, visitors are welcome to attend Sunday services, which can be a beautiful cultural experience. Reddit

The feast of San Giovanni in summer features a torchlight procession and festival, attracting many visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is usually permitted inside churches, but it's important to be respectful. Avoid using flash and be mindful of services or other visitors. Instagram

The area around the port offers stunning views of the church with the lake as a backdrop. The baroque facade itself is also very photogenic. Instagram

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the colors of the facade and the surrounding scenery. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted in populated areas and around historical sites in Italy. Always check local regulations before flying. TikTok

A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for both interior shots and wider exterior views. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the church and its surroundings. TikTok

🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture

The church is primarily in the Baroque style, with its facade and interior decorations reflecting this ornate period, particularly after the 1785 renovations. Reddit

The current church was rebuilt starting in 1584 on the site of a 10th-century temple. Further significant interventions occurred in the late 17th and 18th centuries. Reddit

Inside, you can find an altarpiece by Gaudenzio Ferrari, a fresco of the Madonna delle Grazie, and a Carrara marble sculpture of the Immaculate Conception attributed to Ercole Ferrata. Reddit

The church features a bell tower with five bells, adding to its historical and architectural presence. Reddit

It is dedicated to San Giovanni Battista (Saint John the Baptist), with its origins tracing back to a 10th-century temple also dedicated to him. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is a place of worship, its location by the port offers a pleasant spot for families. Kids can enjoy the open space near the water after a visit inside. The summer festival dedicated to San Giovanni, with its torchlight procession, can be a magical experience for children, offering a glimpse into local traditions. Reddit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid overwhelming younger children with crowds. The easy access from the ferry and nearby parking also make it a convenient stop for families traveling with strollers or young ones. Pack some snacks and water, as exploring Bellagio can be an all-day affair.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers and couples, the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista offers a moment of peaceful reflection amidst the bustling charm of Bellagio. Its serene interior provides a quiet escape, while the exterior offers romantic views of the lake and port. Instagram

Combine your visit with a leisurely stroll along the promenade or enjoy a coffee at a nearby cafe. The church's accessibility makes it easy to incorporate into a day of exploring Bellagio's picturesque streets and enjoying the stunning Lake Como scenery. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is a dream for photographers. The baroque facade offers a beautiful subject, especially when bathed in the warm light of late afternoon. The church's position by the lakeside port provides incredible opportunities for capturing stunning compositions with the water and surrounding landscape. Instagram+1

Experiment with different angles to showcase the church's architectural details and its harmonious integration with the natural beauty of Lake Como. Don't forget to capture the interior details, such as the ornate altar and frescoes, though be mindful of lighting conditions and respectful photography practices. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Marvels and Artistic Treasures

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista in Bellagio is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, with its current form largely shaped by extensive renovations in the late 17th and 18th centuries. The baroque facade is particularly striking, standing proudly near the picturesque port. Inside, visitors are treated to a rich display of artistry. The high altar, a masterpiece of carved and gilded wood, is adorned with wooden statues from the 17th century. The barrel vault, apse, and transept are further embellished with intricate stucco decorations and vibrant frescoes, creating an atmosphere of grandeur and devotion. Reddit

Beyond the decorative elements, the church houses significant artworks that draw art enthusiasts. Notably, an oil painting depicting the Risen Christ with Saints, dated 1532, is a key piece. Art historians also highlight an altarpiece by the renowned Gaudenzio Ferrari and a fresco of the Madonna delle Grazie by a Lombard school artist. A particularly valuable piece is the Carrara marble sculpture of the Immaculate Conception, attributed to Ercole Ferrata, a student of Bernini, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. Reddit

The church's history is deeply intertwined with its dedication to San Giovanni Battista, with its origins dating back to a 10th-century temple. The current structure, rebuilt from 1584, has evolved over centuries, each period leaving its mark. The presence of a bell tower with five bells adds to its historical resonance. For those interested in religious art and architecture, the Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista offers a compelling glimpse into Italian artistic heritage. Reddit

Experiencing Bellagio's Lakeside Charm

The Chiesa di San Giovanni Battista is perfectly situated to enhance the Bellagio experience. Its location right by the delightful little port means you can step out of the church and immediately immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the lakeside. This proximity makes it an ideal starting or ending point for exploring Bellagio's famous streets and promenades. InstagramReddit

Many visitors find the church's setting to be one of its most appealing aspects. The views from the church's vicinity, looking out over the water and towards the surrounding mountains, are simply breathtaking. It's a place where you can easily combine a cultural visit with moments of quiet contemplation while enjoying the stunning scenery that makes Lake Como so famous. TikTok+1

For those arriving by ferry, the church is conveniently located near the landing stage, making it one of the first sights you'll encounter upon arriving in Bellagio. This easy access, coupled with the availability of free public parking nearby, ensures that experiencing this beautiful church and its surroundings is a seamless part of your Lake Como adventure. Reddit

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