San Giovanni Battista Church
A small, ancient stone church in Varenna, Lake Como, featuring rediscovered frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To admire frescoes
San Giovanni Battista Church
Best Time
To admire frescoes
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, ancient stone church in Varenna, Lake Como, featuring rediscovered frescoes and a peaceful atmosphere.
"Remarkable Chiesa in the beautiful town of Varenna. Though it is small, it inspires big emotions."
🎯 Varenna Gem
A small but charming church in Varenna's town square. Worth a quick visit if you're nearby!
🖼️ Rediscovered Art
Look for the interesting frescoes inside; some were lost and rediscovered in the 1960s.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 70 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Frescoes
Interior
Discover rediscovered 12th-century frescoes that bring the church's history to life.
Intimate Atmosphere
Main Nave
Experience a sense of peace and history in this small, well-maintained stone church.
Mario Botta's Mogno Masterpiece
Mogno, Switzerland
Marvel at the striking modern design of the San Giovanni Battista Church by architect Mario Botta.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Varenna's Heart: San Giovanni Battista
Beyond Varenna: Architectural Marvels
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Varenna Gem
A small but charming church in Varenna's town square. Worth a quick visit if you're nearby!
🖼️ Rediscovered Art
Look for the interesting frescoes inside; some were lost and rediscovered in the 1960s.
⛪ Mogno's Modern Icon
For architecture buffs, the San Giovanni Battista in Mogno by Mario Botta is a must-see.
📍 Convenient Location
Located right in Varenna's town square, near Lake Como and good restaurants.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Varenna Gem
A small but charming church in Varenna's town square. Worth a quick visit if you're nearby!
🖼️ Rediscovered Art
Look for the interesting frescoes inside; some were lost and rediscovered in the 1960s.
⛪ Mogno's Modern Icon
For architecture buffs, the San Giovanni Battista in Mogno by Mario Botta is a must-see.
📍 Convenient Location
Located right in Varenna's town square, near Lake Como and good restaurants.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the San Giovanni Battista Church in Varenna to be a small but emotionally resonant historical site, praised for its impressive maintenance and ancient frescoes. While its size is noted, its intimate atmosphere and central location in Varenna are highlighted as key attractions. The church offers a peaceful historical interlude amidst the beauty of Lake Como.
"Remarkable Chiesa in the beautiful town of Varenna. Though it is small, it inspires big emotions with its impressive maintenance and stature."
S. Richard Grant
"An ancient church dating back to the 12th century with some interesting frescos around its interior. According to an information board in the church, the main fresco in the nave was lost and only rediscovered in the 1960s."
Ben George
"Very small and old church with some interesting frescoes"
Sayed Frangieh
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Church of San Giovanni Battista is located in the main square of Varenna, easily accessible on foot once you arrive in the town. Varenna is reachable by train from Milan, with trains running frequently to Varenna Esino station. +1
The San Giovanni Battista Church in Mogno is accessible by car and public transport. It's located in the Maggia Valley, a scenic area that can be reached from Lugano or Locarno.
Ferries are a popular and scenic way to travel between the towns on Lake Como, including Varenna, Bellagio, and Menaggio. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the San Giovanni Battista Church in Varenna is typically free, as it's a functioning place of worship. Donations are often appreciated.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally open during daylight hours for visitors to admire its interior and frescoes. It's best to check locally or visit during typical daytime hours.
While the church itself is usually free to enter, the gardens at Villa Cipressi in Varenna have an entrance fee of around 10€.
Yes, as a functioning church, you can attend mass. Check local schedules for service times if you wish to participate.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a small but impressive collection of ancient frescoes, some of which were rediscovered in the 1960s. The church's intimate scale and well-maintained interior are notable.
Given its size, a visit to the San Giovanni Battista Church in Varenna typically takes about 15-30 minutes. It's a perfect stop while exploring the town.
Designed by Mario Botta, the Mogno church is renowned for its modern, minimalist design, featuring a striking cylindrical stone tower and a glass facade, built on the site of a previous church destroyed by an avalanche. 
Yes, the church is in Varenna's town square, close to Lake Como's waterfront, restaurants, and other charming Varenna attractions like Villa Monastero and Castello di Vezio. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The church's stone facade and its location in the picturesque Varenna square offer charming photo opportunities. The interior frescoes are also worth capturing, though be mindful of lighting and any restrictions.
Photography is generally allowed inside the San Giovanni Battista Church in Mogno, allowing visitors to capture its unique modern architecture.
Beyond the church, Varenna itself is incredibly photogenic, with its colorful houses, lakeside promenade, and stunning views of Lake Como. +1
Social
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