SS. Quirico & Giulitta Church

SS. Quirico & Giulitta: A Millennium of History

Nestled near the banks of the Varrone stream in Dervio, the Church of SS. Quirico & Giulitta is a living artifact of local history. Its roots are remarkably deep: the first official records of this site appear in a legal testament dating back to March 804. Originally a private family chapel, the structure eventually evolved to serve the public, marking the beginning of a religious legacy that has endured for over 1,200 years.

The oldest bell tower on Lake Como

The true crown jewel of the complex, however, is its bell tower. Built in 1080, it is widely considered one of the oldest and best-preserved Romanesque bell towers on the entire Lake Como. Its massive stone structure, rising over three floors with elegant arched decorations and twin-light windows (mullioned windows), is a masterpiece of medieval engineering that still dominates the Dervio skyline today.

While the bell tower remains a rugged Romanesque icon, the church itself tells the story of changing tastes. Remodeled during the 16th and 17th centuries, the interior adopted the dramatic, ornate flair of the Baroque era. In 1628, the façade was updated with new windows and a reconstructed portal. By 1919, the site was officially declared a National Monument, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

The Church of SS. Quirico and Giulitta: Legends and Traditions

Inside, the single-nave church houses an antique painting depicting the two patron saints alongside St. Sebastian and St. Rocco. The devotion to SS. Quirico & Giulitta—a mother and her young son who died during the 3rd-century Christian persecutions—remains a cherished local tradition, celebrated annually on June 16th.