S.Maria Incoronata Milan
A rare double church
We are in Milan at the corner of corso Garibaldi and via Marsala, walking around in - my personal opinion- one of the most beautiful areas of the city. Here stands proudly my favorite church ever. It is a very special example of a double-church, dedicated to the Crowned Virgin Mary (Santa Maria Incoronata). I love this church so much because it is the architectural representation of a love story.
The external particularity of this church is the double facade, so perfectly duplicated as to be called a “twin”; I remember when I first saw it, I imagined I would have found two churches also internally... but the church is actually one, duplicated in its entire space.
Originally, there was just one church, the left one, which dates back to before the Middle Ages, dedicated to the Duke of Milan. In 1461, the duke’s wife asked for a new church to be built adjacent to the first one, and asked for the new one to be identical to the one dedicated to her husband, as a sign of respect and fidelity.
That’s why the two churches became one internally and kept the two facades externally. It was magical the first time I entered this space I expected to be split and finding it to be wide open instead.
My suggestion is to get to the church from piazza XXV Aprile, take a look inside, and then continue toward Largo La Foppa just in time for happy hour.
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Milan
Tenoha Milano
Looks like Nippon, feels like Japan
"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.
by
Michela
Susanna Maier
Chinese Box
Prime people watching
"Chinese Box" is a great place in Milan for people watching and aperitivo. Spend a couple of hours with a drink in hand at the 'terrace' and you'll know...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Bagni Misteriosi
A tip-top swim in the city
Milan's "Bagni Misteriosi" might seem like too fancy a swimming pool for you, but if you go and if you're like me, you'll want to go again & again...
by
Susanna
Baggio
Conca dell'Incoronata
Da Vinci's genius at work
"Conca dell'Incoronata" is an ancient water basin in Milan, one of its most unique corners. I always fantasize about what might have been here...
by
Susanna
Baggio
BIVIO
Second-hand fashion heaven
"BIVIO" was the very first fashion resale shop to open in Milan. It's constantly evolving, and nowadays offers flash sales, DJ sets & happy hours.
by
Susanna
Baggio
Hangar Bicocca
A huge factory turned expo site
"Hangar Bicocca" in Milan is an exposition site in an a former industrial hangar. It's the perfect place to see the world from a different perspective...
by
Susanna
Baggio
10 Corso Como
Art belongs to everyone here
"10 Corso Como" in Milan is an essential art space with an elegant garden cafe & a sophisticated concept store. It's why it's worth checking open gates!
by
Susanna
Baggio
NUN
Not the ordinary kebab place
"NUN" in Milan is the perfect street food deli to have a quick kebab. It has been serving gourmet wraps in a neat atmosphere since 2013!
by
Susanna
Baggio
Via Lincoln
Milan's Notting Hill, so to speak
"Via Lincoln" and the area around it is Milan's very own Notting Hill! Not only that -- there's a little bit of Venice and Liguria in this garden district.
by
Susanna
Baggio
Heading to Milan?
185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Milan?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 185 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Milan
Get to know our other Spotters from Milan
As featured on:
