Gli affreschi della chiesa di S. Maria delle Grazie

An important fresco cycle adorns the church of S. Maria delle Grazie in Maggia.
The first nucleus, from the 16th century, completely covers the walls of the ancient oratory. The apse depicts the Coronation of the Virgin surrounded by the symbols of the Evangelists; below the mandorla is the Crucifixion with the theory of the twelve Apostles, to which correspond, in the lower register, the allegories of the months, unfortunately badly damaged. On the sides of the triumphal arch an Annunciation, on the south wall scenes from the life of St. Anne and the Virgin's childhood, frescoes that seem to belong, due to the compositional unity that animates them, to the same workshop but to two different artists. The cycle of the Life of St. Anne and the Infancy of the Virgin, on the upper register, is characterised by a schematic design, almost devoid of dynamism in the posture of the figures and has a certain hardness in the faces. The continuation of the cycle of Mary, on the other hand, in the lower register, present in seven panels, denotes greater skill in the composition of the figures, considerable expressive strength and a suggestive sweetness emanating from the faces.

The remaining space on the front of the apse and on the pillars is rich in devotional paintings with various inscriptions documenting the terrible famine years of 1527, 28 and 29. The second group of frescoes, also by unknown authors, is of 17th-century origin and can be found in the rectangular chapel that was opened in 1625. Entirely decorated with stucco and frescoes, it features scenes from the life of Christ in the vault. On the triumphal arch around the shroud two Evangelists, in the intrados busts of Evangelists with related symbols. On the back wall, framed by stuccoes, is a painting of the Madonna with Saints Maurice and John. Four scenes from the life of Christ are painted in the sails.

The church is open from May to October: 

Wednesday - Thursday - Friday: 15.00 - 17.00
1st Saturday of the month: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed on public holidays.

Winter closure from 1st October to 30 April.

A minimum contribution of CHF 20.00 is required for out-of-hours visits, only with prior notice (Tel. 091 753 22 10 or on 079 379 31 22).