Chapel of San Giulio

Site overview

The Chapel of San Giulio is located in Forno, Lemie. Its name likely reflects the Valsesian roots of many locals from around Lake Orta. The chapel was built in 1486 by Amedeo, Antonio, and Giovanni Goffi, who inscribed that they “had this chapel and its frescoes made”. Their father, Master Pietro Goffi, was involved in the mining industry, managing silver and copper mines in the upper Viù Valley. He was a skilled metalsmith and entrepreneur. The area was known for iron processing, with furnaces and smithies. The entire decoration is attributed to an anonymous painter known as the “Master of Forno di Lemie,” influenced by Jaquerio and representing late-Gothic style. On the main wall, the central scene shows the Madonna and Child, with Blessed Amedeo IX of Savoy and St Lucy on the left, and St Julius on the right, flanked by kneeling donor figures.

Within the vault, numerous male and female saints occupy the space. On the right, St George slays the devil, depicted as a dragon, which stands out. On the left, the Archangel Michael wields his sword, also fighting the Devil. Nearby are St Roch, St Sebastian, and St John the Baptist; in the lower section, Saints Catherine and Christina are shown with their martyrdom instruments. The chapel is accessible via the “Chiese a porte aperte” (Open Churches) app. After registering and booking, visitors can explore the chapel independently and, guided by the Goffi brothers’ voices, experience a distinctive journey back in time.