Abbazia di San Donato Sesto Calende

"Usual PLACE of Worship in Sesto Calende"

Angela De Freitas Fattorini

"The beautiful abbey is of ancient origin. It was built in the 9th century at the behest of the Bishop of Pavia, Liuthard. At the time, it was an important strategic location for controlling river traffic for the bishopric of Pavia. Founded by Benedictine monks, it had a monastery, which was later destroyed. Almost nothing remains of the original building: the church was rebuilt in exquisite Romanesque style between the late 11th and early 12th centuries. The entrance narthex-pronaos, decorated with magnificent capitals, is slightly later, from the mid-12th century. Of the Romanesque building, the central and left apses, the crypt, and the tall bell tower also remain. The right apse, the three asymmetrical naves, and the frescoes in the presbytery date back to the late Baroque renovations carried out in the 18th century. The interior, however, still houses some splendid 15th and 16th century frescoes, including a Disputation of Saint Catherine created by Bernardino Zenale in 1503, a Madonna of the Lemons from the mid-16th century and, in the older apse on the left, Theories of Saints and a God on the Throne enclosed in an almond."

Stefano Masnaghetti

"This church is a true discovery, a vestige of an ancient abbey, remodeled several times, as can be seen from the information panel on the right as you enter. It dates back to the 9th century, but little of the original remains. The narthex, which over the centuries was incorporated into the church to expand it, is very interesting; it's noticeable as soon as you enter, especially from the columns. Not to be overlooked is the crypt, which also bears witness to the building's centuries-old age."

Serafino Romeo