Church of Santa Maria in Valtenesi

In the heart of the hamlet of Pieve Vecchia, surrounded by greenery and a stone’s throw from the shores of the lake, is Pieve, whose name is closely linked to the role this site once played as a Pieve (Parish Church) or Mother Church of all churches and chapels, both in Manerba and Valtenesi.

The dedication to Santa Maria from Tenesi, the original toponym of the entire hilly area, hints at an origin of around the 5ᵗʰ-6ᵗʰ century. The ancient sacred building was built on a site frequented since Roman and early medieval times, as is testified by archaeological finds and an evocative tombstone in Latin still visible within.

Amongst the finds, behind the Church of Santa Maria in Valtenesi, near the road are remnants in the terrain of what was perhaps the first church in the area: Church of San Siro. This may have been the first place of worship after the spread of Christianity in northern Italy.

Dominated by a high 16ᵗʰ-century bell tower, the Church of Santa Maria in Valtenesi is today a place of silence and contemplation, surrounded by nature, with an ancient charm that tells centuries of faith, art and history.

Opening Hours

Church Visits:

Spring, autumn and winter – open every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Summer (21ˢᵗ June–31ˢᵗ August) – open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Holy Mass Summer Schedule:

Saturday, 5ᵗʰ July to Saturday, 30ᵗʰ August
9:00 pm every Saturday and day prior to a public holiday

Location

The Church of Santa Maria in Valtenesi is located in Piazza San Rocco, within Pieve Vecchia, a historic hamlet of Manerba del Garda (BS). It is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle from the paths that connect the historic centre to the lakefront, located in one of the oldest and most evocative extents of the area.

Art and Architecture

The current structure has been renovated several times over the centuries. The building has a basilica with three naves, a circular central apse and remnants of lateral apses (one of which was recently rebuilt). The central nave is topped by 16ᵗʰ-century groin vaults, whilst the lateral ones are barrel vaults.

Externally, it stands out for its gabled façade with terracotta details and 17ᵗʰ-century windows. The bell tower, built separately, arises opposite the main entrance and completes the unmistakable outline of the complex.

Inside are numerous votive frescoes from different periods, restored between 1987 and the early-2000s. In particular are:

The Annunciation (14ᵗʰ century, Rimini school) on the triumphal arch
A rare scene of the barbarian assault on the procession of Santa Orsola (12ᵗʰ century)
A Madonna Enthroned with Child flanked by Saint Rocco and a Holy Bishop (15ᵗʰ century)
The Christ in Mandorla with angels in the apse, dating back to the 14ᵗʰ century
The altarpiece with Saints Rocco, Sebastian, Syrus and Sabinus, by painter G.A. Bertanza (16ᵗʰ century)

A treasure of sacred art and popular memory, enclosed in one of the most significant places for Garda’s religious heritage.