Sant'Antonio alla Motta, Baroque church building in Varese, Italy.
Sant'Antonio alla Motta is a baroque church standing on Piazza della Motta in Varese, distinguished by its dome, bell tower, and ornate baroque decorative features. The floor slopes from the apse toward the portal, with sections of the original lighter-colored pavement remaining visible.
Giuseppe Bernascone designed the church in 1593, expanding an existing chapel that had belonged to a civic Brotherhood dedicated to Saint Anthony since medieval times. The transformation from a modest private chapel to a major religious structure marked a turning point in the site's development.
The interior walls display extensive paintings by Giuseppe Baroffio and Giovanni Battista Ronchelli that blend baroque and rococo artistic traditions. These decorative schemes create a rich visual experience that shapes how visitors perceive the sacred space.
The interior has a sloped floor that visitors should be aware of as they move through the church. Taking time to walk slowly allows you to appreciate the painted walls and architectural details without rushing.
Every January 16th, the church hosts a large votive bonfire celebration tied to traditional protective rituals against disease. This annual observance connects medieval customs with older forms of veneration that continue to shape community life.
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