Chiesa di Sant'Agostino (Church of Saint Augustine), Como

Nestled just outside the historic centre of Como, the Church of Saint Augustine (Chiesa di Sant’Agostino) offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the city’s medieval and artistic heritage. Built in the late 14th century by Augustinian monks from Civiglio, this church stands on land donated by the Pioppi family, who were later interred within its walls. Consecrated between 1379 and 1384, Saint Augustine was the third mendicant church built in Como and boasts the only surviving example of Gothic-Cistercian architecture in the city.

During its long history, the church experienced a series of transformations. Originally serving a nearby monastery until its suppression in 1772, it became a parish church in 1773 and underwent neoclassical modifications typical of the era. However, in the 1960s, a major restoration effort reversed these changes, removing later vaults, reopening stone mullioned windows, and uncovering original wooden trusses and frescoes from the 14th–15th centuries. In 1995, the façade was repainted to restore its 16th‑century polychrome plaster and coloured pilasters, reviving its medieval charm.

Inside, visitors can explore three naves ending in flat apses, adorned with late medieval frescoes depicting prophets, an Annunciation, and saints including Peter, Bartholomew, and Thomas. Notable artistic highlights include the Chapel of the Virgin, featuring "The Birth of the Virgin" by Morazzone and other 17th‑century canvases, offering a fine example of Lombard Counter‑Reformation art. The adjacent remains of two cloisters, with frescoed walls and a fragment of a refectory painting of Saint Augustine with his monks, also reward those exploring beyond the nave.

Today, Saint Augustine offers a peaceful retreat away from Como’s bustling centre-a “precious box” of art and architecture that few tourists discover. Its tranquil setting near the waterfront makes for a pleasant stroll, and its simple yet refined interior leaves a lasting impression on those who take the time to visit.