Chiesa di Santi Gervasio e Protasio -- Baveno's Parish Church

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Chiesa di Santi Gervasio e Protasio -- Baveno's Parish Church

10:12 PM |

Dana Kaplan, Stresa Sights |

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While waiting for the boat in Baveno I had enough time to wander up to Baveno's parish chiesa, its church, SS Gervasio and Protasio, which is only a couple of streets from the imbarcadero. Turn inland at via Monte Grappa and take a little walk up the long flight of stairs; it's well worth a look around. Although the buildings were built in different centuries, they blend together nicely.

This is the view from the top of the staircase.

The oldest part is the Romanesque church and tower, which dates from the XII century. The church retains its original plain facade, go close and look, the facade contains some Roman tombstones which were uncovered when the building was constructed. Can you see the one to the left of the door? It reads, "Trophimus Daphidianus servo di Tiberio Claudio Cesare Augusto. Sacro alla Memoria Eterna"

The baptistery, next door, octagonal in shape, is built on the foundation of a fifth century structure, but dates from the sixteenth century and boasts some beautiful renaissance frescos.

Turning to my left I can enter this portico, which was added in the eighteenth century, creating an inner courtyard area. The baptistery and tower are behind me in this view.

Between the arches delicately colored frescoes depict the stations of the cross.

This photo, taken a different day, shows the tower and Baveno's waterfront as seen from the lake, with the mountain of Baveno pink granite in the background.

And just who were Gervasio and Protasio anyway? They were brothers, Christian martyrs, who lived and died in Milan in the second century. They are patron saints of Milan, as well as of haymakers. This fourteenth century french manuscript drawing depicts their martyrdom.