Musso Churches

The Church of Sant’Euphemia: A Legend in the Clouds

Perched on the dramatic Sasso di Musso rock spur, the Church of Sant’Euphemia in Genico offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views on Lake Como. Originally part of the castle’s ancient fortifications, the building was heavily damaged in 1532 during the Swiss Grisons' conquest. When Bishop Niguarda visited in 1593, he famously described a roofless sanctuary with its vaults and paintings miraculously intact. The current structure, characterized by a single nave and a graceful porch supported by twin columns, dates back to 1662.

The Legend of Euphemia

Local lore tells a fascinating story of Euphemia, a woman from the village of Sueglio on the lake's opposite shore. Hated by her fellow villagers, legend says she crossed the waters by "sawing" through the waves with a carpenter’s saw, guided only by her faith. She found refuge on the cliffs of Musso, dedicating her life to good works. Upon her death, this church was built in her honor, becoming a historic pilgrimage site for the people of the Val Varrone for centuries.

The Parish Church of San Biagio: Art and Nobility

Located in the historic heart of Musso, the Church of San Biagio stands as a testament to the village's medieval roots. Originally built in the 12th century and dedicated to Saints Nazaro and Celso, it was elevated to a parish in 1387. The current Lombard-Romanesque building, featuring a classic three-nave layout, was completed in 1507.

Interior of the Church of San Biagio

Inside, the church is a gallery of local artistry. Visitors can admire 16th-century frescoes of Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Defendente, painted by Battista Malacrida, a master artist and Musso native. The vaults are further adorned with 19th-century works by Luigi Tagliaferri. Beneath the portico, the history of the village is literally set in stone: the tombstone of the Malacrida family remains on display, featuring their noble emblem and the names of the lords who once ruled these lands.