San Pietro in Mavino, Sirmione, Italy

In 765 AD Cuninomodo, a member of the nobility, was ordered by the King Desiderio and Queen Ansa to donate his property to Sirmione’s basilicas and the Brescian monastery San Salvatore to expiate his guilt for a murder committed in Pavia’s royal palace. This is the period when San Pietro in Mavinas church was build (the name probably comes from the Latin “ad summa vineas” meaning place with the wineyards up high). The Roman bell tower was definited built at a later date, in two phases between the eleventh and twelth centuries, which is a when the frescos decorating the apses were painted. The church San Pietro in Mavino underwent restoration in 1320.

The church has a rectangular plan and is oriented east-west. The cancel contains three apses. The one in the middle shows a Christ Pantocrator in Byzantine tradition; the one on the left a Madonna Enthroned; the one on the right a Crucifixion. The ceiling is made of wooden beams. The church contains frescoes from the 12th-16th centuries. The Romanesque bell tower dates from 1070. The church has been used in the past as a military hospital and its surroundings as a cemetery for plague victims.

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User Reviews

Konstanty Rogaliński (2 years ago)
Beautiful frescoes, clean surroundings and a friendly cat. Definitely recommend it!

Michal Šimurka (2 years ago)
Lovely and simple old church to stop for a while and rest. If you're visiting in the summer, it's nice and cold inside. There are gregorian chants playing in the background. ?. It's free to enter with an optional donation.

paul appleby (3 years ago)
A lovely setting & fabulous old church simple decoration on the interior & wonderful stained glass. The poignant War Memorial is to the left of the church. Away from the crowds but only 800m from the centre & 200m from the Villa Catullo. Well worth a visit if in the area. Returned in 2022 & enjoyed every peaceful minute.

Bennie Mostro del Lago di Garda (5 years ago)
Beautiful little church on the little island Sirmione. Did you know there is a legend monster in lake Garda? visit Bthemonster.com

Alessandro Borgonovo - IZ2OAV (5 years ago)
Véry nice and silence.

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