Santa Maria Nascente

Santa Maria Nascente is a Franciscan convent in Sabbioncello, Merate, in Lombardy with a church, several chapels, a cloister, and two additional wings. The buildings show features of religious architecture in this region with different spaces for prayer and monastic activities.

The church was built in 1508 and received four side chapels in 1540 and a bell tower in 1553. These construction phases show the gradual expansion of the complex over several decades.

The church displays frescoes from the 16th century on the right wall of the nave and preserves the habit of Saint John of Capestrano. These artworks and relics show the devotion that has been practiced at this place over the centuries.

The convent functions as a provincial infirmary for Franciscan friars in Lombardy and offers daily liturgical services and confessions to visitors. It is important to respect the prayer times and monastic rules when visiting this place.

Terracotta stations of the Via Crucis line the road leading to the convent and were installed in 1967 to replace earlier damaged versions. This outdoor representation of the stations creates a procession path for pilgrims approaching the complex.