Galliano - Basilica di San Vincenzo

The Basilica di San Vincenzo is in Galliano, just outside Cantù.

The church was consecrated in 1007, but that marks the end of a rebuilding process. This was sponsored by Ariberto da Intimiano, who was Bishop of Milano from 1018 on - and a strong supporter of Emperor Henry II and his successor Conrad II, whom he crowned with the Iron Crown of Lombardy.

It is believed that a small paleochristian church had existed on this hill already in the 5th century.

The basilica only has one aisle left. Having been abandoned for centuries, the church was deconsecrated sold and since then used as a farmhouse. In 1835 the right aisle collapsed. When the church got restored in the 1930s it was decided to to rebuild the aisle, but to close the right side by windows.

Under the raised presbytery is a semicircular crypt. Frescoes here depict St. Vincent, to whom the church is dedicated.