Churches of Sorico

The Sanctuary of San Miro in Sorico.
Perched atop the hill of San Michele, overlooking the town of Sorico, stands the Sanctuary of San Miro. This ancient church can only be reached by foot, via a trail that leads up through the woods. The church, which dates back to the 12th century, was originally dedicated to San Michele, but in the 15th century was rededicated to San Miro. The church has three naves and a Romanesque belltower rising high behind the sacristy. Its interior houses wonderful frescoes by Sigismondo De Magistris and an altarpiece by Il Fiamminghino. Beneath the main altar lie the relics of San Miro of Canzo. A Franciscan hermit who died in Sorico in 1381, San Miro is greatly venerated by the local population, who pray to him to bring rain during periods of drought.

The church of Santo Stefano in Sorico.
The parish church of Santo Stefano is located in the centre of Sorico, just steps away from the Strada Regina. The church was built in the Romanesque style in the 15th century thanks to a donation from the Duke of Milan, Filippo Maria Visconti. In 1703, it underwent a baroque transformation, with the exception of the imposing belltower and the portal. The columns of the portal still bear the signatures and inscriptions left by soldiers passing through the area over the course of the centuries. A single nave church with three chapels on either side, the church’s interior contains a fine renaissance triptych of the Lombard school.

The oratory of San Fedele - Sorico.
The oratory of San Fedele, also known as the Tempietto di San Fedelino due to its small size, is situated in an isolated area on the west bank of the Mera river. The church was built in the 10th century on the site in which San Fedele is said to have been martyred and buried. Built in Moltrasio limestone, with a single square nave, the oratory is a fine example of Como Romanesque architecture. The interior contains portions of frescoes that are thought to date to the 11th century.