Churches of Malgrate

Sacred Art & Architecture: Discovering Malgrate’s Historic Churches

The Parish Church of San Leonardo

Dedicated to San Leonardo of Noblac, this architectural gem was reconstructed in the 16th century, originally featuring a rare design with three bell towers. In the early 1800s, the renowned Neoclassical architect Giuseppe Bovara a towering figure in Lecco’s history—meticulously restored the building, designing the ornate organ enclosure in 1817. Inside, visitors can admire the 17th-century Baptistery and the intimate Della Cintura chapel, famed for its elegant barrel vault and splendid rose windows. The wooden altar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, adorned with gilded statues and 19th-century paintings by local artist Giacomo Marelli.

Church of San Carlo al Porto

Commissioned by the noble Recalcati marquises at the end of the 17th century, this church stands adjacent to the historic Palazzo Porto Superiore. Its striking square floor plan is topped by a graceful dome, housing a single, serene nave. Originally under the jurisdiction of Lecco, it became Malgrate’s official parish church in 1977 to serve the growing community, expanding into a portion of the neighboring Palazzo Recalcati. The interior features a captivating altarpiece of San Carlo with the Madonna and vibrant contemporary stained-glass windows created in 1978 by the artist Longaretti.

Church of Sant'Antonio Abate

The ancient Church of Sant'Antonio Abate is located just a stone’s throw from the lakefront. Built in the 15th century through the patronage of the Maggi family, the structure was later reimagined in the ornate Baroque style during the 1700s. It houses some of the town's oldest artistic treasures, including a 13th-century altarpiece depicting Saints Anthony Abbot and Anthony of Padua. Most notably, a fragment of a 15th-century Crucifixion fresco remains on the walls—a rare surviving piece from the church’s original foundation.