 The tiny village of Mogno is located two kilometers away from Fusio in the canton of Ticino.This little hamlet is famous for the church of San Giovanni ,made of marbles and granite, designed by architect Mario Botta.
The church was built between 1994 and 96, ten years after the original three and half century old church was destroyed by a huge avalanche. The new church is unique, it has a cylindrical structure and a roof made of glazed glass. The walls are made of alternate blocks of white marble and blackish grey granite and have a checkerboard pattern.
The glass roof, shaped like a leaf, allows sun shine to enter the entire premises all through the year and at all time of the day. The sun light creates magical patterns on the checkered interior walls. There are twelve huge arches behind the altar. These arches are made of white marbles and black granites alternatively.
Initially this project and its bold design by Mario Botta was the cause of much debate within the architectural fraternity. Today it’s considered as one of the best examples of modern architecture.
Situated at the corner of the mountain, the building is also considered as an ‘inspired response’ to the avalanche that destroyed the original church.
Directions
Mogno is just 50 km by car from Locarno, travel through the Maggiatal to Mogno (situated 2km before Fusio) or by bus till Bignasco, then change to the little post bus to Fusio.
Walk to Mogno from Fusio
Open between 09.30 - 17.00 hrs from the start of April till the end of October.
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