Santuario di Sant'Anna

The Sanctuary of Sant'Anna stands in the hills above Argegno. Dedicated to the Madonna di Gelpio, it is widely known by the name of Saint Anne, whose statue occupies a side altar.

Why it matters

The interior brings together fresco painting and sculptural stucco decoration associated with important seventeenth-century artists of the Como and Intelvi area. Local tradition connects the church's origins with a vow made during a plague.

What to notice

Isidoro Bianchi's frescoes depict the life and glorification of the Virgin, with the Assumption dominating the central vault. White stucco frames animate the painted scenes; figures include Joachim and Anne. This decoration is attributed to Giovan Battista Barberini, assisted by other Intelvi stucco workers. The main altar, in polychrome scagliola, contains the Madonna di Gelpio image. Outside, granite columns support the portico before the gabled facade.

Context and history

An earlier Marian chapel became the core of a church enlarged in stages and decorated during the first half of the seventeenth century. The bell tower bears the date 1824. Restoration followed in 1841, with further roof and stucco work undertaken in 1969.