San Giovanni Battista (Gnosca) - Monastero di Santa Maria Assunta (Claro)

The monument has a complex history which is also interesting because it highlights the importance of intelligent restoration work which not only restores form and space to the building, but can also suggest new directions for its use. However, the region offers other splendour: a few kilometres from San Giovanni Battista, on the opposite side of the valley, sits the monastery of Claro, founded in 1490 and one of the spiritual landmarks in Ticino.

The itinerary proposes a comparison of the Romanesque monument of San Giovanni Battista, which clearly symbolises the passage of time, to the Benedictine monastery of Claro, a centre of monastic life which testifies to the age-old necessity for silence and meditation. First, start by reaching San Giovanni Battista located in the heart of Gnosca, a village on the Riviera a short distance from Bellinzona, by following the cantonal road Bellinzona-Biasca and turning left at the beginning of the village.

After visiting the renovated ruins, cross the valley and, on the left-hand side, reach the village of Claro and then the oratory of Sant'Ambrogio at the foot of the rocky outcrop on which the monastery sits. From here, an easy mule track through the chestnut trees leads to the monastery complex in about thirty minutes. There is also the possibility of reaching the monastery by cable car, which is operated on request, or by using a narrow carriage road.

The monastery is flanked by the church dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta, with some frescoes and a valuable gilded wooden sculpture depicting The Pietà, and the small cemetery. The nuns who live in this convent follow the rule of San Benedetto: silence, prayer and work. They are involved in embroidery and taking care of restoration work, as well as looking after the vegetable garden and farmyard animals. Delicious homemade biscuits and jams are available for purchase.

Interesting details:

CHURCH SAN GIOVANNI BATTISTA

The church of San Giovanni Battista, located in the centre of Gnosca, dates back to the first half of the 12th century and was the subject of disputes between Como and Milan for centuries. The first documented mention dates to 1202, confirming that it belonged to Como, despite the fact that the nearby church of San Pietro Martire belonged to the diocese of Milan. Disputes continued until the church was deconsecrated in 1783 by the Bishop of Como. Afterwards, the church fell into disrepair due to neglect and vandalism.
In the 1990s, a renovation project by architects Tita Carloni and Angelo Martella aimed to enhance the structure for alternative uses rather than to restore its religious function.

MONASTERY OF SANTA MARIA ASSUNTA

Founded in 1490, the Benedictine Monastery of Santa Maria Assunta above Claro is the oldest monastery in Ticino. It stands alone on a rocky outcrop above the village of Claro , covered with chestnut trees, nestled in a beautiful landscape and wrapped in a contemplative silence. The church, dedicated to the Madonna, dates back to 1300.
In recent years, the monastic buildings have undergone a complete renovation that gave the new beauty and harmony to the building.