Casa di Sant'Angela Merici alle Grezze

The House of Saint Angela Merici at Le Grezze recalls the childhood of the founder of the Company of Saint Ursula. It belongs to the rural landscape of Desenzano del Garda, distinct from the later sanctuary associated with her in Brescia.

Why it matters

Angela's religious legacy developed from the world of Renaissance Garda into a new form of consecrated life for women within society rather than exclusively within a cloister. The house preserves the memory of her formative years.

What to notice

The house's setting at Le Grezze is central to its significance. The associated Mericianum at Brodazzo belongs to the wider landscape of her memory: tradition places a vision anticipating her future Company at that site. The two places connect the remembrance of her childhood with the devotional story of her vocation.

Context and history

Born in Desenzano around 1474, Angela later lived at Salò and moved to Brescia in 1516. She founded the Company of Saint Ursula on 25 November 1535 and died in Brescia on 27 January 1540. Desenzano has honoured her as its principal patron since 1962.