An authentic place of faith and memory
In the small village of Fraciscio, a fraction of Campodolcino in the upper Valchiavenna, stands the Casa di Don Guanella, the birthplace of Saint Luigi Guanella. A simple building, but rich in spiritual significance, that still retains the atmosphere of faith, sacrifice, and generosity that characterized the Guanella family.
A place where time seems to have stopped, offering visitors a dive into the daily life of a mountain family of the 1800s, and where the profound teaching that inspired the Saint's work can still be felt.
🏠 The history of the house
The original building was constructed by Lorenzo Guanella, Luigi's father. The oldest part of the house dates back to the first half of the 1800s, as evidenced by the date 1835 engraved on the door's lintel, flanked by the initials "LG" and a cross symbolizing God's centrality in the family.
Over time, the house has undergone several expansions and modifications, while still maintaining its authentic character. The facade is enlivened by an image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and, on the left, by a faint painting of another Madonna at the foot of the cross, created by the young Luigi Guanella, who loved to paint as a cleric.
🛋 The interiors: a journey into the daily life of the 1800s
Entering the Casa di Don Guanella is like crossing the threshold of a typical Valtellinese home from the 1800s.
- Ground floor: it features the traditional "stüa" (the warmest room in the house) and the parents' bedroom, where Luigi was born on December 19, 1842.
- First floor: it hosts a small museum collection with objects, photographs, and testimonies related to the life of the Saint and his family.
- Second floor: you can visit the room of Caterina Guanella, Luigi's sister and Servant of God, and the room of Luigi the cleric, with the ceiling he painted in a starry sky. Today this room has been transformed into a small oratory.
The house still maintains the atmosphere of simplicity and family warmth, becoming a true school of faith which Don Guanella always remembered as "a great grace of God."
📍 Where it is located
📌 Location: Fraciscio, Municipality of Campodolcino (SO)
The house is just a few minutes' walk from the parish church of San Giovanni Battista.
🕒 Visiting hours and information
The Casa di Don Guanella is open for visits:
- During the summer season
- By reservation for groups, schools, and pilgrimages
- On special events dedicated to the figure of Saint Luigi Guanella
📞 Contacts:
- Parish of San Giovanni Battista – Campodolcino
🎯 Why visit it
The Casa di Don Guanella is a perfect place for:
- Those who want to deepen their understanding of Saint Luigi Guanella and his message
- Enthusiasts of religious history and alpine culture
- Families and parish groups seeking authentic spiritual experiences
- Those who wish to rediscover the value of simplicity, solidarity, and faith
