San Lorenzo Church

Church of San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence) in Abbadia Lariana

The church of San Lorenzo (St. Lawrence) sits gracefully on the lakeside of Abbadia Lariana, just steps from the shimmering waters of Lake Como. Originally founded in the 13th century by the Servite Fathers, it was built upon the ruins of an ancient Benedictine abbey dedicated to Saints Vincent and Anastasius. At that time, the structure was a modest, single-nave building.

The Church of San Lorenzo Through the Centuries

During the 18th century, the church was dedicated to San Lorenzo. A major transformation in 1888 saw the building expanded and completely renovated with the addition of two side aisles, broader walls, and a soaring ceiling. In 1915, the interior was brought to life by the renowned painter Luigi Tagliaferri (1841–1927). His breathtaking fresco at the center of the vault depicts the Martyrdom of San Lorenzo, showing angels lifting the Saint toward Heaven. On the pillars supporting the vault, you can admire the twelve apostles, with further masterful frescoes gracing the apse and the organ loft.

Buzzoni's Paintings on the Life of Saint Lawrence

The parish choir, paved entirely in elegant pink marble, houses the Main Altar—a fine 17th-century wooden masterpiece. Flanking the altar are two paintings by Buzzoni depicting the Saint's life, while near the main entrance, two large 17th-century canvases celebrate the devotion to St. Augustine. Recent restorations have ensured that this remarkable building remains a preserved treasure for future generations.

The Cloister of the Benedictine Abbey

Adjacent to the church, the ancient Benedictine Abbey Cloister is still visible. Nearby, in the park of the Chiesa Rotta (Broken Church), visitors can find the evocative remains of the original parish church also dedicated to San Lorenzo.