Basilica di San Fedele (Basilica of Saint Fidelis)

Saints Fidelis, Carpophorus, and Exanthus are revered as saints and martyrs in Como. According to tradition, these three soldiers dedicated themselves to converting pagans in the region. Regardless of the variations in their stories, they all conclude with their martyrdom during the reign of Diocletian.

The Basilica of Saint Fidelis is dedicated to this third-century martyr. Situated in San Fedele Square in the heart of Como, the church was built in 1120 on the site of a 7th-century Christian church dedicated to Saint Euphemia, another martyr.

The basilica showcases a Romanesque architectural style, with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a gabled pediment. Its Neo-Romanesque facade, featuring a central rose window, was reconstructed by architect Antonio Giussani in 1914. The square bell tower, originally erected in 1120, was rebuilt in 1271 following an earthquake and once more in 1905.

Inside, the church features three naves and three apses, covered by a dome and surrounded by an ambulatory adorned with medieval votive frescoes. The Chapel of the Crucifix contains a fresco on the apse by Isidoro Bianchi, painted in 1623, depicting God the Father, the risen Christ, saints, bishops, angels, and archangels.

In the south aisle, four paintings by painter and engraver Carlo Innocenzo Carloni illustrate scenes from the Passion. The north aisle chapel houses 17th-century frescoes depicting the life of the Virgin Mary and the Visit of the Magi. Another chapel features a 1504 triptych of the Madonna with Child by painter Giovanni Andrea De Magistris.

The Basilica di San Fedele (Basilica of Saint Fidelis) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Como!

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