The Tempietto of San Fedelino represents one of the most precious testimonies of Romanesque art in Lombardy.
Its visit is made accessible through a simple trek , also suitable for families with children . The route develops mainly on flat terrain, with gentle ups and downs, making the experience pleasant and accessible to all.
The Temple of San Fedelino, silent and solitary for over a thousand years, overlooking the flow of the waters of the Mera river.
Over the centuries, during the floods, the river has generously flooded its lands, contributing to making the walls humid .
It is there, quiet and secluded , ready to reveal its historical and artistic only to those who possess the patience and courage to reach it.
After the latest restorations , Sunday visitors flock to the place, especially during the summer. Located at the northern end of the Alto Lario, on the shores of Lake Mezzola , at the entrance to Valchiavenna, stands the small church of San Fedelino .
This place can be considered the source , not only architectural but also symbolic , of the Romanesque style of Como and Valtellina which developed starting from the year one thousand. It is one of the gems of Romanesque art in Lombardy and the oldest monument in the area.
Sheltered near Mount Berlinghera , along a strip of land overlooking the Mera river, the small temple of San Fedelino can be reached via a path from Casenda (Samolaco) or by boat from Novate Mezzola.
Its isolated location preserved the original character of the church, preventing its transformation into a conventional sanctuary. Despite the constant devotion , the architectural structure has not undergone alterations , presenting itself as an intact testimony of the popular piety of the beginning of the millennium.
History , art and the natural environment converge to transform San Fedelino into an unparalleled tourist destination
And now the story of San Fedele, the fugitive martyr. The construction of this small temple in such an impervious place finds its reason in a story that oscillates between the real and the legendary, increasing the charm of San Fedelino.
The story tells of Fedele, a Roman soldier converted to Christianity, fleeing from Milan in 284 AD with some companions to escape the persecutions of Maximian.
He, in an era in which Christianity spread among the populations, forced the converted soldiers to sacrifice to the pagan deities. Faced with their refusal , he had them imprisoned.
Fedele, together with the bishop of Milan Materno, helped them escape towards Como.
But they were all killed except Fedele, who reached the lake and embarked seeking refuge near Samolaco, at the foot of a mountain. His persecutors caught up with him, but Fedele, faithful to his faith, refused to renounce it and was beheaded and buried there.
The population built a small oratory to guard his relics , but over the centuries, during the barbarian invasions, the original oratory fell into ruin, and only the Lord watches over the martyr's remains.
Sorico, Como, Italy
To reach the Church of San Giovanni all'Archetto in Samolaco (SO), enter the coordinates into the navigator. Once you arrive at the chapel, look for parking nearby.
After making sure that the car is safe, cross the bridge and embark on the route following the asphalt road, which will later turn into a real path.
During the excursion, first walk along the fields and then along the river. Along the way, you will encounter two passages with metal stairs, but don't worry, they are safe and also suitable for children.
Continuing the journey, you will finally reach the suggestive Temple of San Fedelino . Here, if you wish, you can find an ideal place to sit and enjoy a pleasant picnic.
© Larius Way – Made with love on Lake Como – Project by Digimatica Sagl