Santi Nazaro e Celso, church building in Bellano, Italy
Santi Nazaro e Celso is a church in Bellano featuring distinctive black and white marble stripes on its facade and a tall bell tower built in 1567. Inside, stone arches support a ceiling decorated with Renaissance frescoes depicting biblical scenes, while a colorful marble altar sits at the east end.
The church was rebuilt after a severe flood in 1341 destroyed the earlier structure, prompting construction on higher ground to ensure safety. Expansion continued over subsequent centuries, with the bell tower completed in 1567 and Renaissance interior details added later.
The church honors Saints Nazaro and Celso, two figures central to local faith traditions. Inside, the frescoes and artworks show how religious belief shaped daily life for Bellano's residents across centuries.
The church sits in a central location in Bellano, surrounded by small shops and narrow streets that are easy to navigate. Visiting during daylight allows you to appreciate both the exterior stone details and the light filtering through the interior windows.
The bell tower holds six bells whose sound carries across the valley, calling people to prayer and special occasions for centuries. The bells date from different periods, reflecting how the community maintained and enriched the church across generations.
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