Santo Stefano Church

Santo Stefano Church & San Giovanni Baptistery in Lenno

The church of Santo Stefano and the Baptistery of San Giovanni the Baptist are located in the heart of Lenno, just a short walk from the shores of Lake Como. These two historic buildings were once part of a much larger religious complex. Historical records from a 1593 pastoral visit by Bishop Ninguarda describe two additional chapels—dedicated to San Zeno and Santa Maria—along with a small cemetery. While most of these structures were removed starting in the 17th century, the church of Santo Stefano and its neighboring baptistery remain as extraordinary witnesses to the past.

The architecture and frescoes of Santo Stefano Church

The church of Santo Stefano was originally built in the Romanesque style during the 11th century and underwent several architectural changes between the 16th and 17th centuries. The interior features three naves and lateral chapels, with walls crafted from local Moltrasina stone. Inside, visitors can admire precious 14th-century frescoes attributed to the school of Luini. One of the most fascinating features is the underground crypt, accessed via two trap doors in the central nave. This 11th-century trapezoidal space is divided into five bays with cross-vaulted ceilings and three small apses at the rear, offering a rare glimpse into early medieval architecture.

The Baptistery of San Giovanni the Baptist

The Battistero di San Giovanni, also dating back to the late 11th century, is a Romanesque masterpiece constructed with meticulously placed blocks of Moltrasina stone. The building features a classic octagonal design topped by a small, square bell tower. Inside, the walls preserve remnants of both Medieval frescoes and Baroque paintings. Among all the Romanesque structures in the Lake Como region, the Lenno baptistery is widely considered the best-preserved in its original form. Today, this ancient space serves a modern purpose, frequently hosting contemporary art exhibitions in a truly unique setting.