Anglican Church

The Anglican Church: A British Legacy on the Shores of Lake Como

The Anglican Church in Griante holds the distinction of being the first Anglo-Saxon house of worship ever erected on Italian soil. It was built to serve the spiritual needs of the many English travelers who frequented the area during the height of the 19th-century Grand Tour. The church was originally designed by the brilliant young architect Giuseppe Brentano, who tragically passed away before its completion. His uncle, Luigi Brentano—already a renowned civil engineer—stepped in to oversee the final stages of construction.

The First Anglican Church in Italy

Dedicated to the Ascension, the church was consecrated in September 1891 and officially inaugurated that November. Over the following four years, work continued to meticulously finish the ornate portal, the welcoming porch, and the interior pulpit, completing the vision for this landmark building.

The architecture features classic 15th-century Lombard elements, characterized by a single nave with large transverse arches, a rose window on the facade, and elegant spires atop its supporting pillars. Inside, the church is adorned with monochromatic frescoes of geometric patterns and angelic figures. Particularly valuable are the marble pulpit and the three statues dedicated to the Crucifixion, positioned beneath the arch of the presbytery.

The Religious Services of the Anglican Church

To this day, the church remains an active spiritual and cultural center. Every Sunday from May to September, services are officiated by Anglican priests traveling from England. During the summer, the church also hosts a series of cultural evenings and classical concerts. The magnificent sound of the historic organ combined with the building's exceptional acoustics offers a truly unforgettable experience for all visitors.