Church of Saints Stephen and Lawrence, Gothic church in Castiglione Olona, Italy.
The Church of Saints Stephen and Lawrence stands on the hill above Castiglione Olona, built on the ruins of the old castle. Its facade has exposed brick, a gabled roofline, buttresses marking the internal divisions and a frieze of small arches. Inside, three naves are divided by five stone columns and end in as many apses.
The church was built on the ruins of Castiglione Olona's castle, a fortification destroyed several times between the late Middle Ages and the early Renaissance. Cardinal Branda Castiglioni commissioned it; construction took three years and it was consecrated on 25 March 1425 in the Lombard Gothic style. The chapter of canons he founded remained active until its suppression in 1798.
The interior walls display frescoes by Masolino that show religious scenes and reveal painting techniques from the 1400s. These artworks shape how the space feels and show the artistic activity that flourished in this region at that time.
Access is available during the week, with services following the Ambrosian Rite of the Roman Catholic tradition. Visitors should check hours in advance and be aware of traditional worship practices.
The building is part of a larger complex called the Collegiata complex that sits integrated within the medieval town center. This arrangement shows how this house of worship connects with other structures and shapes the network of the town.
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