High above Melano, in the locality of Castelletto - so called because it was built on the ruins of a castle - stands the Church of the Madonna, which is considered one of the most attractive and popular pilgrimage sites in the canton of Ticino.
A Way of the Cross, with several recently built stations, leads to the panoramic plateau on which the church stands. The building, although documented in the 14th century, is from the Baroque period (1634-1644), rectangular in shape with a choir; the façade has two rows of pillars; an arched tympanum rises above the portal.
The bright interior is richly decorated with paintings and stucco work by local master Giovanni Stella (fresco on the vault, 17th century) and Antonio Rinaldi of Tremona (figures of saints, late 19th century).
The altar in marble from Arzo, Ravenna and Carrara frames the late Gothic altarpiece depicting the Madonna of the Milk, attributed to Nicolao da Seregno. Numerous votive offerings, of popular and artistic interest, range from the 17th century to the present day.
Accessibility Services
This cultural/tourist point of interest took part in the digital data mapping project on accessibility by Pro Infirmis. The project was carried out with the collaboration and support of Ticino Turismo, the four regional tourist organisations and the Department of Education, Culture and Sport.
All information on the accessibility of the partner in question can be found on the following page.
