Church of San Maurizio Milan
Milan's Sistine Chapel
Whether you are an estimator of religious art or not, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is a must-see in Milan.
Let me state the obvious: the Catholic Church has had a massive impact on Italian art and culture - to the point that almost every memorable historical site throughout Italy is churches, chapels or religious buildings, and everywhere you go there's something memorable to see, but this is something different.
It’s not uncommon to find churches that are divided into two sections, usually one for the noble and the clergy, and one for commoners, but there was a different kind of "division" here. In fact, from the early 16th century to the early 19th century, San Maurizio was the home of cloistered nuns, who could only pray in the back of the monastery. For no reason could they go outside: they were only able to talk to their parents or receive the holy communion through two very small hatch windows on given occasions.
Thanks to a huge restoration, San Maurizio returned to its original splendor in 2015. The vaults in the back are just gorgeous, and the frescos by Bernardino Luini depicting outdoor landscapes really make you wonder, especially now that we know what a lockdown really is about.
Some call San Maurizio, a church that even hosts classical music concerts, “Milan’s Sistine Chapel”: I often take visitors here on my walking tours as a Greeter and people agree, it truly is a monastery of astonishing beauty.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Milan guide.
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Milan
Marchesi – A 19th century pastry shop
If you want to go back in time and find yourself enjoying the best pastries of Milan, visiting Marchesi and trying their pistachio croissant is a must.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
Flor – Natural wines and quality Italian tapas
"Flor" in Milan is a wine bar with the goal of making the world of natural wine accessible to all. Their cheeseboards are amazing...
By
Matteo
Carini
Rinascente – Affordable place for doing shopping
During the 20th century, it became one of the most important shops in the city, specialising in selling branded clothes, above all famous Italian brands.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
Sant'Eustorgio – The best church in Milan
It was built in 334 a.c, in a period when Milan or Mediolanum, the Latin name of the city, was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
The infamous column – Victims of superstitions
The first one was made in 1630, in place of the house of Gian Giacomo Mora, who was a barber, and it's still there today on the road that bears his name.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
Vitamina – Fairytale on the move
"Vitamina" Milan is a must visit amongst the famous underground electronic music in Milan. You'll find yourself in a whole other world in good vibes...
By
Matteo
Carini
Pizzeria Woodstock – The real pizza of Milan
This restaurant is one of those which is resisting and still gives the possibility to have delicious traditional pizzas at affordable prices.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
Mitú Restaurant – The Spirit of Colombia
Mitú is a place I would enthusiastically recommend to a friend seeking a charming atmosphere, great cuisine and attentive and knowledgeable staff.
By
Carmen
Condeescu
Church Sant'Ambrogio – Back in the past
The Church of Sant'Ambrogio, built this church in the 5th century AD, is an important church because it was built by the patron of the city, Ambrogio.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
Church of Saint Sebastian – Against the plague
One of the most interesting in the city, founded in 1576, it has the same structure as some Roman-Greek circular temples, "tholos" in ancient Greek.
By
Vladislav
Karaneuski
Alda Merini Bridge – The most romantic bridge
Alda Merini was one of the most interesting people in the city and was always wandering around Navigli, so anybody could go and meet her in that district.
By