Chiesa di Sant'Abbondio

The Church of Sant’Abbondio, also known as Santa Maria del Ponte, stands beside the old bridge over the Liro at the southern entrance to Gravedona. The small church preserves an eighteenth-century Baroque interior and a history associated with the Curti Maghini family.

Why it matters

The church’s two names preserve different layers of its history: an earlier oratory at the bridge was dedicated to Santa Maria, while Sant’Abbondio, the patron saint of nearby Como, later became part of its identity. The building is associated with the patronage of the Curti Maghini family, whose gift of a relic of Sant’Abbondio is preserved in the sacristy.

What to notice

The irregular polygonal exterior is built of stone, brick and river pebbles and has a simple plastered façade, stone portal and small double-opening bell gable. Inside, domed vaults rest on shaped pillars beneath stucco cornices. Behind the altar, a trompe-l’œil perspective creates the impression of a larger Baroque chancel. The fresco of the Virgin and Child with Saints Vincent and Rocco forms its centre; wooden statues of Sant’Abbondio and Santa Barbara occupy the side niches. A polychrome marble altar completes the interior.

Context and history

The church was an oratory at the town gate and was described as recently built in 1764. Bishop Giovan Battista Albrici Pellegrini’s 1764 visitation described it as recently built and recorded it under the patronage of Giacomo Antonio Curti Maghini. The family’s patronage is associated with the relic of Sant’Abbondio in the sacristy. The available records do not establish a more precise construction date.