San Lorenzo Church, Church building in Chiavenna, Italy

San Lorenzo Church is the main religious building of Chiavenna, begun in the 5th century and enlarged over later centuries. It has three naves, 18th-century frescoes, a portico built in the same period by Ticinese masters, and a 13th-century baptistery.

Construction began in the 5th century, and the collegiate church was enlarged over the following centuries. The baptistery dates from the 13th century, while the portico and the 18th-century frescoes were made by Ticinese masters in the 1700s.

The church's name comes from Saint Lawrence, and its 13th-century baptistery still stands as a separate structure. The Museo del Tesoro di Chiavenna, housed in the complex, displays the Pace di Chiavenna, a medieval goldsmithing work, and a Marriage of Saint Catherine attributed to the school of Ambrogio Arcimboldi, once the altarpiece of the church's Saint Catherine altar.

The church stands in the centre of Chiavenna, and the Museo del Tesoro di Chiavenna is housed within the collegiate complex, so allow time for both the three-nave interior and the museum rooms. The 18th-century portico by Ticinese masters marks the entrance; the 13th-century baptistery is a separate element to look for. As an active place of worship, visits are best timed outside services.

Inside the collegiate complex, the Museo del Tesoro di Chiavenna displays the Pace di Chiavenna, a medieval goldsmithing piece, alongside a Marriage of Saint Catherine attributed to the school of Ambrogio Arcimboldi, once the altarpiece of the church's Saint Catherine altar.