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About this place
Santa Maria in Borgo (Italian: Chiesa di Santa Maria in Borgo) is a small church in Mendrisio, in the Swiss canton of Ticino. It sits in the oldest part of town, the Borgo quarter, and its bell tower is among the oldest features of the historic centre.
What is the history of Santa Maria in Borgo?
A Romanesque church originally stood on the spot. It was reworked heavily over the centuries, so little of the first building survives: mainly the bell tower, which was raised in the 17th century, and probably part of the nave. The result today blends Romanesque and Baroque elements.
What can you see inside?
The interior is a single compact nave. Its vault carries a fresco by Angelo Sala showing angels in flight. To the right, the chapel of St Charles (San Carlo) has an elliptical dome and Baroque stucco work with shells, cornucopias and fruit. A statue by Agostino Silva stands in the altar niche.
What is the surrounding area like?
The lane to the church is paved with cobblestones, one of the few stretches of original paving left in Mendrisio's old centre. Walking it gives a sense of the town's earlier layout. Settlement here is old: Roman graves, coins and the remains of a villa have turned up in Mendrisio.
How do you get there?
The church lies in central Mendrisio, close to 45.8722 N, 8.9885 E. It is easiest to visit on foot as part of a stroll through the old town. Mendrisio is the main town of the Mendrisiotto, in southern Ticino near the Italian border.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same church as Santa Maria delle Grazie?
No. Santa Maria delle Grazie is a different church in Mendrisio. Santa Maria in Borgo is in the old Borgo quarter.
Is the church Romanesque or Baroque?
Both. Its origins are Romanesque, the bell tower was raised in the 17th century, and the interior, with the St Charles chapel and stucco decoration, is Baroque in character.
Who painted the frescoes inside?
Angelo Sala painted the angel fresco on the nave vault.
How long does a visit take?
The church is small, so the interior takes little time. It pairs well with a walk along the cobbled lanes of old Mendrisio.
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