Chiesa dei santi Quirico e Giulitta
The church is located in Dervio, easily accessible by both car and on foot as it is also situated on the Wayfarer's Path.
What to see
The Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta in Dervio
The ancient Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta stands in the municipality of Dervio, just a short walk from the Varrone stream, next to which begins the path that leads up to Pratolungo and the mountain hamlets. The church has very ancient origins, with the first official document attesting to its presence being a testamentary bequest from March 814. According to some historians, the building originally served as a private chapel, and later, after modifications and renovations, it was granted for use by the church of Dervio.
The Oldest Bell Tower on Lake Como
The Romanesque bell tower has been soaring above the houses of Dervio for almost a thousand years; it was built in 1080 and is certainly one of the oldest and best-preserved bell towers in the Lario. The massive tower is developed over three levels, with each face featuring arch decorations, and the bell chamber opens up to splendid bifore, also adorned with hanging arches. In contrast to the bell tower, the church has been remodeled several times over the centuries, with modifications made between the 16th and 17th centuries giving it a Baroque appearance. In 1628, three windows were opened on the facade and the portal was redone; the last significant modification occurred in 1919 when the exterior was plastered, and during the same period, the church was declared a national monument.
The Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta Among Legends and Traditions
The Church of Saints Quirico and Giulitta features a single nave with a gabled roof on a rectangular plan. Above the altar, we can admire a painting depicting the two martyrs, with Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch behind them; unfortunately, the canvas is not in perfect condition. The cult of Saints Quirico and Giulitta has very ancient origins; tradition tells of a boy named Quirico and his mother Giulitta, who were killed during the Christian persecutions in the 3rd century. The feast of the two martyrs is celebrated every June 16th.
Don't miss
Getting there
You can park your car on Via Duca D'Aosta, less than 100 meters from the Church.
On foot along the Wayfarer's Path