TEMPIETTO DI SAN FEDELINO: A Hidden Treasure

Located on the shores of Lake Mezzola, where the Mera River flows into the lake, the Tempietto di San Fedelino is the oldest example of Romanesque architecture in Lombardy.

At the northernmost tip of Upper Lario, on Lake Mezzola, at the entrance to Valchiavenna, lies what can be considered the source—not only architectural but also symbolic—of the Romanesque style of the Como and Valtellina regions, which began to develop around the year 1000. This is the evocative little church of San Fedelino, one of the most precious examples of Romanesque art in Lombardy and the oldest monument in the area. Nestled against the Berlinghera Mountain, on a strip of land facing the Mera River, which flows into Lake Mezzola shortly thereafter, the temple can be reached via a path from Casenda (Samolaco) or by boat from Novate Mezzola.

The isolated nature of the location has, over the centuries, contributed to the preservation of San Fedelino, as it has never been subject to the continuous influx of people that would have transformed it into a conventional sanctuary, even though devotion to the saint has always remained strong. The church has not undergone any changes, and its original architectural structure remains intact, making it a genuine testament to the popular piety of the early millennium. History, art, and the natural surroundings make San Fedelino an unparalleled tourist destination, well worth the unusual journey.

Who Was Fedelino?

Fedelino is believed to have been a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity. His story tells of his escape from Milan in 284 AD, along with some companions, to escape the persecutions of Emperor Maximian. At that time, Christianity was spreading rapidly among the populations, and Maximian demanded that the converted soldiers sacrifice to the pagan gods. When they refused, they were imprisoned. Fedelino, along with the Bishop of Milan, Materno, helped them escape to Como. Once caught, they were all killed, except for Fedelino, who arrived alone at the lake. He boarded a boat in search of safety in a place that seemed secure and inaccessible, at the foot of a mountain near Samolaco. However, his persecutors reached him there as well. Fedelino reaffirmed his refusal to renounce the Christian faith and was beheaded and buried at that spot. The local people built a small chapel to house his relics.

In 964, on the eve of the first millennium, San Fedelino appeared in a dream to a woman from nearby Gordona, who was very devout to the saint. He indicated the spot where his remains were buried.

The Bishop of Como, Uboldo, was informed, and he set off for Samolaco with a large crowd to recover the relics and transport them with hymns, songs, and miraculous events to Como, to the Church of Santa Eufemia, which was then renamed San Fedelino. On the right bank of the Mera River, above the ruins of the original early Christian chapel, a new temple was built, the same one we find today, practically intact. The diminutive name “Fedelino” comes from the fact that this chapel is indeed a very small building, especially when compared to the larger Church of San Fedele in Como.

OPENING HOURS 2021

Until October
Saturday, Sunday, and holidays
From 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM

From the end of October, open by reservation only.

Entrance fee:

• Full: €1.00
• Reduced (students, groups of 10 or more, over 60): €0.50
• Special openings: €20.00

Access Mode:
The chapel can be reached via a well-marked hiking path or mule track from Casenda, Samolaco. It is also possible to reach the temple by lake, with a paid motorboat service available by reservation through Hotel Saligari.