Churches
FLÜGELALTAR – Church of Pontebba
A treasure of art and spirituality
In the heart of Pontebba is the Flügelaltar, a 15th century wooden winged altar, a masterpiece of Gothic art and a symbol of the culture of the Eastern Alps. This extraordinary work, created by the artists of the Villach School, is distinguished by its fine wooden carvings, vivid colours and biblical scenes rich in detail and expressiveness. The Flügelaltar tells ancient stories, combining local traditions and Germanic culture. Besides being an artistic masterpiece, it is also a place of devotion, which continues to inspire anyone who admires it.
CHURCH OF THE VISITATION OF MARY VIRGIN AND SAINT ANTONIO – Church of Malborghetto
The Gothic-style church of Malborghetto has undergone several changes over time. The current structure, dating back to the early 19th century, includes two churches under a single roof: the older one dating back to the 16th century, now used as a chapel, and the 18th-century church of San Giovanni, which constitutes the main nucleus of the church. The interior, with a single nave, is characterised by the presence of an altar dominated by the 15th-century Madonna of the Apple, the fruit of the tree of Good and Evil alluding to the salvific work and redemption of the firstborn sin. Also of note are the 15th-century frescoes depicting the Last Supper.
The jewel in the church’s crown, however, is located outside. On the lunette above the side door is the fresco of the Madonna del Latte (15th century), so dear to popular female devotion. The Maria lactans depicts the Madonna breastfeeding the baby Jesus. The breast, according to the practice of the time, is stylised and shifted to the centre of the breast so as to appear as unnatural as possible.
The valuable marble tombstones (16th-17th century) decorating the interior and exterior walls of the building bear witness to the village’s illustrious past, when the rich families of iron industrialists made the village’s economy flourish.
CHURCH OF SS. FILIPPO E GIACOMO – Church of Ugovizza
The church of Ugovizza is dedicated to Saints Philip and James. Rebuilt in 1930 on the site of the previous small Romanesque-Gothic church dating back to the 15th century, its interior features an 18th-century altar with two well-made wooden statues, gilded and painted, depicting Saints Rocco and Sebastian. The pulpit, also recently restored, is remarkable, made of polychrome wood with gilding and depictions in mirrors. In addition, there are frescoes that came to light in 1959 and, in the right chapel, carved and painted wooden statues of saints.
The flood of 29 August 2003 caused the bell tower to collapse and extensive damage to the building. The reconstruction that followed determined its current appearance: the bell tower was rebuilt on the model of the previous one in low, massive Romanesque-Gothic style, while inside, ancient frescoes from the 15th century were brought to light on the arch of the original entrance.
CHURCH OF THE HOLIEST TRINITY – Church of Valbruna
The parish church of Valbruna, in Carinthian Gothic style, dates back to the second half of the 17th century. It has a quadrangular shape with a polygonal apse and buttresses. On the left side, the squat, square-based bell tower with octagonal spire/cusp and eccentric clock is striking.
From the 17th-century church remain the altarpieces of the high and side altars, works from 1660 depicting the Trinity and the Madonna and Child adored by St. Charles Borromeo and St. Ambrose. In both works, the same small church in Valbruna is depicted, idealised but rather corresponding to the real dimension.
CHURCH OF SAN GOTTARDO – Church of Bagni di Lusnizza
The building of the church of Bagni di Lusnizza, dedicated to St Gotthard, dates back to the first half of the 15th century and has seen several modifications over the centuries. In about 1660, it was remodelled on a commission from the Malborghetto industrialist Gabriel Van Canal, then, following the bombing of World War I, it was restored, as it was after the disastrous earthquake of 1976.
The octagonal layout of the presbytery and the hall are original, and house valuable polychrome Baroque wooden altars, one of which houses the altarpiece depicting the Charity of St. Martina and the name of the author, Giovanni Saidero of Venzone. The high altar (16th century), in Baroque-Carinthian style, houses copies of the 16th-century statues of St. Gotthard, St. Catherine and St. Barbara.
CHURCH OF ST CATHERINE – Church of Santa Caterina
The Church of St Catherine is certainly one of the most striking and oldest churches in the valley, dating back to 1150. In its long history, it has undergone numerous reconstructions and restorations: rebuilt in the 15th century, it was then restored in 1699 and remodelled later, perhaps in the 19th century. The nave dates back to the 17th century and a marble niche for the Blessed Sacrament remains inside, closed by an iron gate. It has a rectangular hall with a polygonal presbytery. The slender bell tower is square, with a truncated pyramid spire base and pyramid tip. The roof and bell tower are shingled, as is the covering of the graceful little porch. The wooden statue of St Catherine, which until a few years ago was placed on a beam above the entrance portal, was recently restored and placed on the high altar.
