Saint Mary Magdalene church

Saint Mary Magdalene Church, locally known as Chiesa di Santa Maria Maddalena, sits quietly at the foot of Monte Rocchetta in Riva del Garda, a town rich with history and natural beauty. This quaint church, though modest in size, is a testament to the enduring spiritual and cultural heritage of this picturesque Italian region.

The History of Saint Mary Magdalene Church

The origins of the Saint Mary Magdalene Church are shrouded in mystery, with little documentation about its initial construction. However, it is believed to be quite ancient, possibly dating back to a time when a monastic community resided in the area. The first records of the church appear in the late 15th century, during which it suffered neglect, being used as a stable and storage for wood and manure.

In the 16th century, the church saw a revival of sorts when hermits began to inhabit and maintain it. Among these was Giorgio Siculo, who lived there around 1550 and became known for his writings to the citizens of Riva, which eventually led to his execution for heresy. The church endured further trials during the 1703 invasion of Trentino, when it was looted by Vendôme's troops.

Despite these challenges, the church continued to be cared for by hermits until at least 1773. By 1839, it was privately owned and in good condition. However, as of 2020, the church has fallen into severe disrepair.

Exploring the Church

The Saint Mary Magdalene Church is nestled in a serene location, once famed for its three springs, one of which was believed to have healing properties for eye ailments. Visitors can reach the church via two paths leading from Riva and San Giacomo towards the Pinza road.

The church's exterior features a simple gabled facade with a portico, above which the hermit's house once stood. Although only the perimeter walls remain, partially overgrown with ivy, the church's rustic charm is undeniable. The rectangular structure ends in a squared apse, topped with a small bell gable housing a bell.

Architectural Features

Four windows punctuate the church's walls: two rectangular ones and two lunette-shaped, allowing light to softly illuminate the interior. Above the facade window, a fragment of a fresco remains, depicting the face of an unidentified saint.

Inside, the church is a single nave leading to a rectangular apse. Behind the main altar lies a sacristy, featuring a washbasin with a grotesque mask drain and a shell-shaped holy water font. The altar, dating back to the early 18th century, is crafted from marble and shows signs of restoration. It is adorned with geometric designs and intarsia, flanked by two smooth red marble columns supporting a broken pediment crowned with a shell and cross.

Artistic Treasures

The altar once held a painting of Saint Mary Magdalene as a penitent, now housed elsewhere. This artwork portrayed her seated in a cave, her long blonde hair covering her modestly, holding a whip and a crucifix with a skull in her lap.

On either side of the altar, shelves hold busts of bishops identified as Saint Vigilio and Saint Brizio, connecting the church to other local religious sites. The nave walls display frescoes from various unknown artists, discovered in 1905. The left wall features a large Crucifixion scene, while adjacent panels depict Saint Mary Magdalene with angels and a possible donor figure named Blaxia, and Saint John the Evangelist with the opening words of his Gospel.

A Hidden Gem

Despite its current state of neglect, the Saint Mary Magdalene Church remains a hidden gem for those who venture off the beaten path in Riva del Garda. Its historical significance and the serene beauty of its surroundings make it a poignant reminder of the area's rich past. Whether you are drawn by its spiritual legacy or its artistic remnants, this church offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Trentino.