Never heard of Baveno? It’s a charming little town on Lake Maggiore, and like any good Italian town, it has a heart – a central gathering place where life unfolds at a delightfully unhurried pace. That heart? Piazza della Chiesa, of course! And while Italy does have a lot of incredible squares, Piazza della Chiesa has a special something. It’s not overly grand or touristy; it’s just… real.
Piazza della Chiesa Description
Piazza della Chiesa is, well, exactly what it sounds like: the square with the church. But don’t let the straightforward name fool you. You wander into Piazza della Chiesa, and suddenly, you’re in the thick of it. Kids are playing, locals are chatting, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafts through the air.
Piazza della Chiesa isn’t about grand monuments. It’s about finding a spot at a cafe, ordering an Aperol Spritz (or a gelato, because Italy), and simply watching the world go by. And while the church itself is a stunner (more on that later), we need to give some love to the portico – that arched walkway that frames one side of the piazza. It’s like the square’s elegant embrace, offering shade in the summer and a bit of shelter from the occasional sprinkle.
What to Expect at Piazza della Chiesa
It’s the heart of Baveno, a place where locals and visitors mingle, and it’s got a certain je ne sais quoi that makes it a great place to just hang out.
The Portico and the square
The piazza’s star attraction is, of course, the church itself. It’s not a massive cathedral, but it has a certain understated elegance. Take a moment to appreciate the details, the stonework, the simple yet beautiful facade and step inside and take a moment for quiet reflection.
And speaking of architecture, don’t miss the portico! This covered walkway adds a touch of old-world charm to the piazza. It’s a great place to escape the midday heat or take a leisurely stroll while admiring the surrounding buildings. Adorned with a lot of incredible paintings it will be the perfect spot for your photography soul.
Keep an eye out for the bell tower, too. It’s a classic feature of Italian churches, and Baveno’s is no exception. While the baptistery might not be as grand as some you’ve seen, it’s still a significant part of the piazza’s history. It’s a reminder of the importance of faith and community in Baveno. It may be small, but it holds a lot of history within its walls.
The Origins of Piazza della Chiesa
The piazza’s origins stretch back to Roman times, a fact confirmed by two inscriptions embedded in the church’s facade. These aren’t just random etchings; they’re tangible links to Baveno’s ancient past, whispering tales of Roman citizens and perhaps even hinting at a temple that once stood where the church now graces the square.
And if that wasn’t cool enough, a funerary stele from the 1st century AD was unearthed during renovations of a parish hall, talk about a historical find! The piazza’s story truly takes shape with the rise of Christianity. The earliest written record of the Pieve (parish church) of Baveno dates back to 1133, in a document confirming the possessions of the Bishop Litifredo. However, it’s believed that the Pieve is even older, possibly one of the first major rural churches in the region.
This antiquity is supported by the presence of the Baptistery, a separate building dating back to the 5th century, and the church’s dedication to Saints Gervasio and Protasio, martyrs whose cult was spread by Saint Ambrose in the vast diocese of Milan, which included parts of the western shore of Lake Maggiore. These aren’t just names; they’re echoes of a time when Christianity was spreading across the Roman Empire, leaving its mark on Baveno. The Piazza della Chiesa we see today is a product of centuries of evolution. The Roman stones, the ancient Baptistery, the Romanesque church – they’re all pieces of a puzzle that tell the story of Baveno’s past.
