The Romanesque church of S. Ambrogio a Chironico is a monument of great historical and artistic interest, both for the particularity of its architectural and planimetric structure and because it is entirely covered with 14th century frescoes inside. The church has undergone a recent and important restoration, which has restored brightness and liveliness of colour to the painted decoration, extraordinarily rich from an iconographic point of view, and now finally clearly legible. Moreover, it has been possible to ascertain, contrary to previous hypotheses, how the church, which has twin apses, was originally divided into two naves inside by an arched structure (taken from:" La Chiesa di S. Ambrogio" by Vera Segre, Guide to Swiss Monuments SSAS). The Old Parish Church with two naves, documented since 1227, is dedicated to Saint Ambrose. Erected above a south-facing apsidal hall, it should date back to the early Middle Ages. On the left slope of the tympanum stands a bell tower with a sail. It is located on the ancient way of crossing the nucleus.
In the southern apse, on the right, are represented the Decollation of St. John the Baptist, the Christ Pantocrator with the symbols of the Evangelists and an Annunciation (1338). In the northern apse (left) we can see the Coronation of the Virgin, the Divine Justice in the role of an Angel weighing man's works before a demon and the figures of St. Lawrence and St. Stephen, with their richly decorated clothes. In the centre of the apse a remarkable Crucifixion.
In the small church there are also frescoes with scenes from the life of St. Ambrose, St. Anne and St. Joachim, allegories of the faith and the ages of man, scenes from the Last Judgement, as well as a votive fresco of 1537 depicting the Madonna between St. John the Baptist and St. Ambrose.
- Open all year round.
- Key at: Maurizia Damonti, Chironico (tel. 079 176 41 20)
- For guided tours please contact Mr. Osvaldo Genini (tel. 079 503 45 76)
---
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.
