Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria della Neve

From its perch atop a natural hillock, the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria della Neve gazes out over the village of Boffalora sopra Ticino. This grand church, built between 1792 and 1794, wasn’t the first to grace this site. The original Chiesa di Santa Maria della Neve, a smaller, centuries-old structure, once stood nearby. Time and the growing population had rendered the old church insufficient. Enter three locals: Giovanni Tosi, Antonio Vitali, and Count Cesare Giulini. They spearheaded the construction of the new Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria della Neve. Land was procured, funds were raised, and even the old church itself was auctioned off to finance their vision. Today, the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria della Neve stands as a testament to their dedication. This architectural gem, with its blend of ancient and neoclassical styles, houses a treasure trove of art and history. Inside, four massive granite columns support the magnificent dome, its surface adorned with a vibrant fresco depicting the “Triumph of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of the World”. This masterpiece, along with the frescoes of the Four Evangelists on the dome’s pendentives, are the work of Fra Ernesto Bergagna, a painter who left his artistic mark in the mid-20th century. But the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria della Neve holds even older secrets. Fragments of frescoes rescued from its predecessor grace the baptistery. There, you’ll find a poignant Madonna and Child, a portrait of Pope Gregory XIII, and a depiction of San Defendente, commissioned by none other than Saint Charles Borromeo himself. As you stand before the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria della Neve, let its captivating story unfold around you. Let the echoes of devotion, artistic passion, and community spirit resonate within these sacred walls.