In the spring of 1986, a huge avalanche destroyed a dozen houses and the small church of Mogno, which was fortunately uninhabited at the time. The project to build a new church designed by the architect Mario Botta from the Ticino caused much debate right from the start; there were many objections and petitions. Today, the church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, is an architectural gem of the first order. It stands sturdily with its side to the mountain – many visitors regard the work as an "inspired response" to the avalanche.

The glass roof, designed to look like a leaf or the tree of life, allows light to shine into the interior at all seasons and times of day, but constantly changing. The way the light and sunshine enter the building through the thick glass panes alters the appearance of the interior. It is a checkerboard of dark and pale stone. Particularly striking are the twelve large arches behind the altar, alternating dark and pale and reminiscent of the porch of a vast cathedral.