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Church · Lugano, Ticino
Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli
Franciscan church consecrated in 1515, at the end of Via Nassa, with the large fresco of the Passion and Crucifixion painted by Bernardino Luini in 1529.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli
Santa Maria degli Angioli stands at the end of Via Nassa, near the lake, next to the cultural center LAC. Construction began in 1499 at the initiative of local residents and the Franciscan friars, and the church was consecrated in 1515. It lay at the town's exit on the road to Milão, and the convent beside it hosted travelers. From the outside, the church is simple, with a stone façade.
What makes it one of the most visited places in Lugano is inside. The wall that separates the nave from the choir is covered by a large fresco of the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ, painted in 1529 by Bernardino Luini, a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci. The main scene shows the crucifixion, surrounded by dozens of figures, and around it scenes from the Passion follow. It is one of the most important works of the Renaissance in Switzerland.
The same church contains other frescoes by Luini, such as the Last Supper and the Madonna with Child and Saint John, in the side chapels.
The visit is short and pairs well with the LAC next door and with a walk along Via Nassa and the lakeside.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
In the morning or early afternoon. During services, visits are limited.
How to get there
It's at the end of Via Nassa, about a 5-minute walk from Piazza della Riforma, next to the LAC.
Tip
Sit on the central pews in the nave to see the entire Passion fresco, then move closer to inspect the details of the figures.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angioli
Who painted the fresco of Santa Maria degli Angioli?
Bernardino Luini, a disciple of Leonardo da Vinci, in 1529. The fresco depicts the Passion and Crucifixion of Christ.
Where is the church of Santa Maria degli Angioli?
At the end of Via Nassa, near the lake, next to the cultural center LAC.
Are there other works by Luini in the church?
Yes, in the side chapels, including a Last Supper and a Madonna with Child and Saint John.