Overview
It can be said that the spiritual journey that led Angelo Roncalli to become Pope John XXIII started here. In this small church, the future 'Good Pope' was baptised on 25 November 1881. It was also here that he celebrated his first mass in his native town, on 15 August 1904.
The construction of the Church of Santa Maria in Brusicco, in Sotto il Monte, dates back to the mid-15th century. The façade is simple, modest, in Romanesque style and with exposed masonry. Inside, the single nave is divided into three bays by pointed arches resting on masonry pillars, as solid as the façade. Stop at the first bay on the left to admire the Baptismal Font where Pope Roncalli received the first sacrament.
The end of the pontiff's life is also commemorated here. The tombstone that closed the tomb of Pope John XXIII in the Vatican grottoes is on display in the second bay.
Via Baradello, 1, 24039 Sotto il Monte Giovanni XXIII BG, Italia
