Church of San Maurizio at the Monastero Maggiore

The church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, located in Corso Magenta in Milan, is a masterpiece of Lombard Renaissance often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of Milan”. The church, part of an ancient Benedictine monastery complex, was built between 1503 and 1518 according to the design of Gian Giacomo Dolcebuono and Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. This building is known for its extraordinary frescoes, the work of Bernardino Luini and his sons, which entirely decorate the interior, offering an extraordinary visual experience. The church is divided into two parts: the nave for the faithful and the nuns’ choir, separated by a frescoed partition. This partition features a series of Luini’s frescoes depicting biblical scenes and saints, including the Adoration of the Magi by Antonio Campi. The area reserved for the nuns, only visually accessible through a grille, is decorated with equally beautiful frescoes, testifying to the importance of the convent and the devotion of the religious community. The cycle of frescoes by Bernardino Luini in the church includes scenes from the life of Christ and the saints, with a masterful use of color and light reminiscent of the influence of Leonardo da Vinci, who was present in Milan at that time. Luini’s paintings stand out for their delicacy and refined detail, creating an atmosphere of serenity and spirituality. One of the most remarkable chapels in the church is the Chapel of the Resurrection, frescoed by Luini’s sons, Aurelio and Giovan Pietro, with a vivid and dramatic representation of the Resurrection of Christ. Other important frescoes include the Deposition of Christ and the Story of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, whose feminine beauty is rendered with extraordinary grace and realism. The monastery, documented as far back as the Carolingian era, played a crucial role in the history of Milan. With the suppression of the monastery in 1798, the buildings were used for various purposes, including a barracks and a military hospital. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the church underwent numerous restorations to preserve the precious frescoes, damaged by humidity and neglect. An interesting historical element is the funding of the frescoes by the Bentivoglio family, one of the most powerful Milanese families of the time. Alessandro Bentivoglio and his wife Ippolita Sforza were portrayed alongside the saints in several frescoes, reflecting not only their devotion but also their social status. The facade of the church, completed in 1574 by Francesco Pirovano, is simple and sober compared to the rich interior decoration. However, this external simplicity effectively contrasts with the opulence of the interior, creating a surprising visual impact for visitors. Today, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is part of the museum route of the Civic Archaeological Museum of Milan, which also includes the crypt and other monastic structures. The museum offers an overview of the history of Milan, from its Roman foundation to the medieval and Renaissance periods, integrating the visit to the church with a broader historical and cultural context.