Built in 1687, the church of St. Gothard is a seldom used building in Somasassa, an outlying suburb of Teglio, Valtellina, that counts about 1000 souls.

Its soaring belfry overlooking the valley attracted our attention from a distance. The church is no longer in use for religious practice (except for three Sundays in summer), but we were lucky enough to stumble across the nephew of the late sacrist who was inclined to let us step inside the old temple for a quick look by a side door.

The church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century, on the left, overlooking the valley. Nikon D810, 85 mm (85 mm ƒ/1.4) 1/20″ ƒ/11 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Southwestern view. Nikon D810, 85 mm (85 mm ƒ/1.4) 1/80″ ƒ/8 ISO 64

Our Lady of Good Advice triuphant with Saints Andrew, Euphemia and Gottado. Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 20 mm (20 mm ƒ/1.8) 2.5″ ƒ/16 ISO 64

Our Lady of Good Advice triuphant with Saints Andrew, Euphemia and Gottado. Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 20 mm (20 mm ƒ/1.8) 2″ ƒ/14 ISO 64

On the main altar by an udentified artist, depicts San Gottardo about to heal a wounded man. Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 20 mm (20 mm ƒ/1.8) 2.5″ ƒ/16 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 20 mm (20 mm ƒ/1.8) 2″ ƒ/14 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 20 mm (20 mm ƒ/1.8) 2.5″ ƒ/14 ISO 64 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 20 mm (20 mm ƒ/1.8) 4″ ƒ/14 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 4″ ƒ/14 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 2.5″ ƒ/14 ISO 64

St. Charles Borromeo worshipping the Holy Trinity. Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 2.5″ ƒ/14 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 2″ ƒ/14 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 2″ ƒ/16 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 0.8″ ƒ/8 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Facade. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 1/100″ ƒ/8 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Northwestern view. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 1/100″ ƒ/8 ISO 64

Somasassa, Valtellina, church of San Gottardo, XVIII Century. Northern view. Nikon D810, 24 mm (24 mm ƒ/1.4) 1/100″ ƒ/8 ISO 64

Although it is not completely abandoned, the building shows a certain neglect on the part of the authority entitled to take care of it. Nevertheless, it does not lack a few noticeable works of art.

Within a frame dated 1764, the baroque painting on the main altar by an unidentified artist of the late baroque, depicts Saint Gothard about to heal a wounded man.

In the left chapel of the presbytery, a canvas portrays St Charles Borromeo worshipping the Holy Trinity. On the opposite side, painted directly on the wall, Our Lady of Good Advice, held in triumph by the angels, with Saints Andrew, Euphemia and Gothard.

(Testo italiano qui)