The ancient Church of the Shrine of Our Lady of Sorrows is an original chapel dating back to the 10th century and was possibly built on the remains of an earlier pagan sacred building of probable Celtic origin.
The present building is the result of a series of transformations that took place over about a millennium, characterized by various extensions and embellishments in relation to its role as the “mother church” of the Averara Valley. The church of Santa Brigida, detached from the parish church of San Pietro di Primaluna in Valsassina, was in fact the first parish of the ancient Averara Valley during the 14th century.
The building has a single nave, divided into five pointed bays, supported by stone pillars; the roof is gabled, supported by decorated wooden beams and an exposed planking; two polychrome marble balustrades separate the nave from the chancel, whose vault is decorated with Baroque stucco.
The bell tower, with a pyramidal spire, has its lower part partially incorporated into the church and features a small belfry with four openings. On the south side is a portico covered by the sloping roof of the church and supported by three pillars and almost entirely decorated with frescoes. These frescoes, like those adorning the interior walls, date from the 15th century and can be attributed to local fresco painters, including Pietro de Asenelis (portico cycle) and Angelo Baschenis (paintings in the chapel of St. Nicholas of Tolentino).Following the construction of the new parish church, the church took on the new title of Sanctuary of Our Lady of Sorrows. Free tour (see Altobrembo guides, volume I itinerary 4).
Included in the itineraries : The Land of the Baschenis, on the Macabre. Information and reservations at: Altobrembo , Tourist Office.
