Church of San Giovanni Battista Decollato

The current church dates back to the mid-1700s, rebuilt on the site a pre-existing construction. It was linked to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, until its dissolution in the Napoleonic era. The most distinctive element of the church is its Baroque façade, animated by a particular curved line that confers dynamism and lightness to the building.

Opening Hours

This church is only open on special occasions:

In December and January, doors open to host the traditional mechanical nativity scene, a unique artistic installation with moving figures, detailed scenes and plays of light that render the atmosphere magical
On 29ᵗʰ August, on the occasion of the Feast of San Giovanni, patron saint of Manerba, the church is open to the public whilst in the evening, the piazza comes alive with music

For the rest of the year, the church remains closed to the public.

Location

Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, a hamlet of Solarolo, Manerba del Garda (BS).

Art and Architecture

Internally, the church has an articulated structure, with spaces divided into three main areas:

Apse and two distinct sectors of the nave
Curved lines and sinuous surfaces that create an effect of movement and depth, typical of the Baroque style
Pillars with composite capitals, supporting the entablature
Rich volumetry, accentuated by vaulted roofing
Walls adorned with niches, some real, others painted or barely visible

The altar and artworks

Altarpiece representing the martyrdom of John the Baptist, patron saint of Manerba
High altar dating back to the 1700s, with tabernacle and frontal decorations

Paintings and frescoes

On the left wall:

First arch – Madonna in Glory between a Holy Pope and a Bishop, oil on canvas, dated 1669
Second arch – Altar with 18ᵗʰ-century altarpiece, depicting Sant’Antonioda Padova with Baby Jesus, decorated with four angels

On the right wall:

First arch – Christ Deposed from the Cross, 18ᵗʰ century oil on canvas

Counterface:

Baptismal font in Verona red marble, carved

A special detail: on the right of the altar is a small storage room and bell tower, the latter belonging to the structure prior to the reconstruction in the 1700s.