The The Collegiate Church of San Vittore, also known as the Canonica, was founded in 1173 on the ruins of an early Christian temple in the area of Brezzo di Bedero. Since then, it has always represented the social life of the area and the natural meeting place for its inhabitants. The little settlement where it is located is also called Canonica.
History of the Collegiate Church of San Vittore
The current appearance of the collegiate church is the result of several interventions over the centuries which more or less modified its initial architecture. For example, the façade was renovated (perhaps a little awkwardly) in 1876 when the top section was rebuilt and the baptismal chapel was created along the left nave. The bell tower dates back to the 1600’s.
The side walls and three apses enriched on the outside with hanging arches and small columns, still have their original Romanesque style.
Inside the Collegiate Church of San Vittore
Ruins from the Romanesque and later periods remain inside the Collegiate Church of San Vittore. Its division into three naves was the original shape. Valuable 16th-century frescoes are in the apse and on the triumphal arch. In particular, those in the apse date back to 1510. Among these is the noteworthy frescoed scene of the martyrdom of San Vittore. The collegiate church also has some old illustrated music sheets which were fundamental for those studying Ambrosian chanting and musical palaeography. Lastly, a marvellous organ can be admired dating back to the 18th century (it still works).
A short distance from the religious building, a panoramic view over the Verbano basin offers a privileged view of the lake, up to Rocca di Caldè (Caldè fort). In ancient times, this area (called Pasquè) was used for winter grazing near the ancient village.
The presbytery and its hill also provide a natural setting and stage for the 30-year old tradition Living Crèche in Brezzo di Bedero, one of the most well-known in the province of Varese.
Music and the Collegiate Church of S. Vittore
The collegiate church is also home to an important internationally-acclaimed classical music series financed by the Province of Varese: Stagione Musicale della Canonica music festival.
Photo gallery Collegiate Church of San Vittore
Panoramio is no longer available
Thank you for stopping by.
Panoramio has been discontinued. We’ve appreciated your contributions over the years and hope you will continue to share amazing photos with the world.
Sincerely,
The Panoramio team
Frequently-asked questions
What happened to my Panoramio data?
If your Panoramio profile was linked with your Google account, then all your Panoramio photos were copied to your Google Album Archive at full resolution. All other data has been permanently deleted.
Will my Panoramio photos continue to appear in Google Earth and Google Maps?
If your Panoramio photos were appearing in Google Maps with the name of your Google Account, then they will continue to appear along with their original view counts. If they were only attributed to your Panoramio username, they will no longer appear. You can view and manage photos by signing in to Google Maps and accessing the Contributions screen from the main menu.
Is there any way to keep posting photos to Google Earth and Google Maps?
Yes - to keep adding photos to Google Maps and engage with a growing community of photographers, join the Local Guides program. You can earn points and unlock rewards for photos submitted with a Google account when they are linked to a point of interest or business.
Follow @LagoMaggioreNet