Basilica di Sant'Abbondio

A Romanesque basilica built in 11th century; inside some 13th-century frescos. The basilica was built on the site of an early Christian basilica of the 5th century, dedicated to the holy apostles Peter and Paul. Between 1050 and 1095, the Benedictines rebuilt the church in Romanesque style. In the 16th century the basilica underwent profound renovations, assuming a classical look, while the construction of the grandiose cloister was also started. In 1834 the buildings, now in a serious state of decay, were partly demolished and rebuilt. From 1863, the basilica was restored its Romanesque appearance; during the works the foundations of the early Christian building and those of the external narthex, which had been demolished during the 16th century, were also found. The current facade is based on what was once the portico. In 1928 Antonio Giussani carried out a new restoration of the church, replacing all the window panes, redoing the roofs of the naves, apses and choir, plastering the walls and vaults again and rebuilding the high altar and the altars located in the Musso marble. In 1968 the transfer of the Episcopal Seminary to Muggiò again caused the abandonment and rapid deterioration of what had been the seat of the monastery. It was purchased in 1974 by the Municipality of Como, which has taken care of its restoration and redevelopment. It is now the seat of the Faculty of Law of the University of Insubria. It belongs to the parish of the Santissima Annunciata - sanctuary of the Santissimo Crocifisso, entrusted to the regular clerics of Somasca.