Santa Maria del Tiglio, Romanesque church in Gravedona ed Uniti, Italy
Santa Maria del Tiglio is a medieval church in Gravedona ed Uniti that sits directly on Lake Como's shoreline and features an exterior of light and dark stone bands arranged in geometric patterns. The bell tower has an unusual shape that transitions from a square base to an octagonal upper section, decorated with windows of varying styles.
The structure was built in the 12th century on the site of an earlier chapel associated with Queen Teodolinda, a figure from the early medieval period. This connection links the place to the time when the Lombard kingdom held power in the region.
The interior holds a Roman altar and frescoes painted over several centuries by different hands, showing how the community's spiritual beliefs were expressed through art. These works reveal layers of faith and devotion left by worshippers across generations.
The church sits directly on the lake shore and is accessible for visitors with limited mobility, with ramps provided for easier entry. Parking is available nearby, making it convenient to visit without requiring a long walk.
The facade displays a striking pattern of light and dark stone arranged like a checkerboard, created by alternating bands of Musso marble and gray blocks. This decorative approach was unusual for churches of that era and made the building instantly recognizable along the shoreline.
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