Santa Croce Temple

Giovan Antonio Piotti, known as "il Vacallo", 1580 - 1594

The Temple of Santa Croce, in the historic core of Riva San Vitale, is one of the most significant examples of late Renaissance architecture in Switzerland. Built between 1580 and 1594 at the wish of Canon Giovan Andrea Della Croce, it was consecrated in 1599 and was also conceived as his final resting place. The building, today attributed to the architect Giovan Antonio Piotti known as il Vacallo, has a central plan, square at the base and octagonal in the upper part, dominated by a distinctive copper-clad dome.

Inside, eight imposing columns support the dome, while stuccoes, frescoes and paintings enrich the space. The works by Camillo Procaccini and his workshop narrate episodes related to the discovery of the True Cross, the Assumption of the Virgin and Saint Bernardino.