Santa Maria degli Angeli, Contemporary church on Monte Tamaro in Rivera, Switzerland.
Santa Maria degli Angeli sits at the edge of a slope on Monte Tamaro, built from porphyry stone with extensive glass windows throughout. The modern design uses natural light as an essential part of the interior.
Mario Botta designed this structure between 1992 and 1996 as a modern take on religious architecture. The building was created in response to the growing need for contemporary places of worship in the area.
Inside, visitors find works by Enzo Cucchi, including two large hands set against a blue wall and twenty-two panels depicting Mary-related scenes. These pieces shape how people experience the space spiritually.
The church serves both as a place for prayer and as a viewing point overlooking the surrounding Alpine scenery. Reaching it requires walking along a path from the mountain station, so comfortable shoes are helpful.
The building extends from the mountain station through a long concrete passage that guides visitors on a path of preparation. This walkway creates an intentional spatial journey before entering the sacred space.
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