Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno
A well-preserved 11th-century Romanesque baptistery with a striking octagonal exterior, often hosting art exhibitions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A well-preserved 11th-century Romanesque baptistery with a striking octagonal exterior, often hosting art exhibitions.
"Beautiful on the outside, though interior restoration has mixed reviews."
Check Exhibition Schedules
The interior is often an exhibition space. Check local listings to see what's on before you visit! :art:
Admire the Exterior
The Romanesque exterior is a highlight, praised for its preservation and medieval charm. :building_construction:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Octagonal Romanesque Exterior
Village Square
A beautifully preserved octagonal Romanesque building from the late 11th century, standing proudly in the village square.
Medieval Appearance
Exterior
The building retains its authentic medieval look, offering a glimpse into the past with its robust stone structure.
Exhibition Space
Interior
Often hosts art exhibitions, transforming the ancient baptistery into a temporary gallery space.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Interior
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Exhibition Schedules
The interior is often an exhibition space. Check local listings to see what's on before you visit! :art:
Admire the Exterior
The Romanesque exterior is a highlight, praised for its preservation and medieval charm. :building_construction:
Manage Interior Expectations
Restoration of frescoes has mixed reviews. Appreciate the history, but be aware of modern touches. :pray:
Free Entry
Entrance to see the frescoes inside is typically free, making it an accessible stop. :moneywithwings:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Exhibition Schedules
The interior is often an exhibition space. Check local listings to see what's on before you visit! :art:
Admire the Exterior
The Romanesque exterior is a highlight, praised for its preservation and medieval charm. :building_construction:
Manage Interior Expectations
Restoration of frescoes has mixed reviews. Appreciate the history, but be aware of modern touches. :pray:
Free Entry
Entrance to see the frescoes inside is typically free, making it an accessible stop. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno for its beautifully preserved Romanesque exterior and medieval charm. However, opinions are divided on the interior restoration of frescoes, with some finding it less impactful than the exterior suggests. It often serves as a free exhibition space, adding a contemporary layer to its ancient structure.
"Simple ancient baptismal. Free entrance to see frescos inside. Was being used as a shop for painting sales."
Stephen Digby
"A beautiful baptistery, unfortunately the interior has undergone a less than satisfactory restoration, which has certainly caused it to lose the charm that the site retains on the outside."
Daniele Oliva
"An ancient baptistery (dating back to the mid-11th century) located in the village square, separate from the church of Santo Stefano.
Very beautiful on the outside (in good condition and with a medieval appearance), but somewhat less so on the inside, where the ancient frescoes are barely highlighted due to the overly modern restoration.
It is often used as an exhibition space."
channel max
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno is located in the village square, right in front of the Church of Santo Stefano, on the shores of Lake Como. It's easily accessible by car or public transport within the Tremezzina area. Parking might be limited in the village square, so consider nearby options.
Yes, it's situated in the charming village of Lenno, right next to the Church of Santo Stefano. This makes it convenient to visit both sites together. The beautiful shores of Lake Como are also just steps away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, entrance to the Baptistery to see the frescoes inside is free. However, it's often used as an exhibition space, so specific events might have separate admission fees. It's always a good idea to check for any ongoing exhibitions or events.
As the Baptistery is frequently used for exhibitions, its opening hours can vary. It's best to check local event listings or inquire at a local tourist information point for the most up-to-date hours, especially if you're visiting for a specific exhibition.
No, the exterior of the Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno is part of the village square and is freely accessible at all times. You can admire its Romanesque architecture and medieval appearance without any charge.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary, especially when the Baptistery is hosting an exhibition. Generally, taking photos of the exterior is fine. For the interior, it's best to check for any posted signs or ask an attendant, particularly if there's a paid exhibition.
The octagonal exterior, especially when framed by the village square and the Church of Santo Stefano, makes for a picturesque shot. The lakeside setting also offers beautiful perspectives. Capture its medieval charm from various angles.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The Battistero di San Giovanni Lenno is an ancient baptistery dating back to the mid-11th century. It's a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture, with an octagonal plan and a polygonal apse, reflecting its historical significance on the shores of Lake Como.
It is a prime example of Romanesque architecture, characterized by its octagonal shape, robust stone construction, and medieval appearance. The building's design is typical of religious structures from the late 11th century.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
History Buffs
While the interior frescoes have undergone restoration, they still offer a glimpse into the site's past. Consider researching the history of Romanesque baptisteries and the specific context of this building in Lenno to deepen your appreciation. The fact that it's often used as an exhibition space also provides an interesting layer of historical continuity, showing how the building has been repurposed over centuries.
Art Lovers
Crucially, the Baptistery frequently hosts art exhibitions. This means your visit could coincide with contemporary art displays, offering a fascinating contrast between ancient architecture and modern artistic expression. Checking local event schedules before your visit is highly recommended to make the most of its artistic offerings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Significance
While the exterior stands as a testament to its historical roots, the interior has undergone restoration. This has led to varied opinions among visitors, with some finding the modern touches detract from the ancient frescoes' original charm. Nevertheless, the building's historical and architectural merit remains significant, making it a point of interest for those exploring the Tremezzina region.
Its location in the village square, adjacent to the Church of Santo Stefano, further enhances its historical context. The Baptistery is often used as an exhibition space, which can add a contemporary layer to its ancient structure, providing a unique juxtaposition of old and new.
Visitor Experience and Restoration
However, the interior restoration has been a point of contention. Reviews suggest that the modern approach to restoring the ancient frescoes has, for some, diminished the site's original charm. While the frescoes are still visible, their impact may be lessened by the restoration techniques used. This has led to a sentiment that the interior might be 'less satisfactory' than the exterior suggests.
Despite these mixed feelings about the interior, the Baptistery is often free to enter and frequently serves as a venue for art exhibitions. This dual purpose means visitors might experience it as a historical site or a contemporary art space, depending on their visit. Checking for current exhibitions is recommended to fully appreciate its dynamic use.
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