CHURCH OF ST. GIORGIO

Located in Sarigo, the church of San Giorgio is one of the most significant examples of Romanesque architecture in Lombardy's Upper Verbano

The church of San Giorgio in Sarigo, a hamlet of Castelveccana, is one of the most significant examples of Romanesque architecture in the Upper Verbano region of Lombardy. Built in the second half of the 12th century, it still retains much of its original form, including the semicircular apse and the unusual central bell tower, built in the middle of the façade.

Over the centuries, the structure has undergone several renovations that, while modifying its layout, have not altered its historical identity. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, frescoes were painted in the apse and cross vaults were added to the main nave. A significant expansion took place in 1683, when the old church was incorporated into a new, larger structure, while still retaining its original features.

The interior, carefully restored between 2012 and 2016, revealed precious medieval frescoes and traces of Romanesque construction. The restoration project, overseen by architect Luigi Terrenghi, uncovered decorations long hidden beneath whitewash and plaster.

Architecturally, the building features a double nave and a side entrance, necessitated by the bell tower's location. The expertly laid local stone surfaces create a chromatic harmony typical of the late Romanesque style, despite its rural setting. The apse is distinguished by the refined use of blind arches and various types of stone, while the stone shingle roofs, supported by wooden frameworks, contribute to the structure's uniqueness.

Inside, the recently unearthed cycle of frescos in the apse stands out. The work, dating from the late Middle Ages to the Renaissance, is still being studied and attributed.