Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio

The Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, located in the Ticinese district of Milan, is one of the oldest and most important places of worship in the city. Its origins date back to the 4th century, when, according to tradition, Bishop Eustorgio I received the relics of the Magi as a gift from Emperor Constantine, which were transported to Milan on a cart and deposited in the basilica. This event gave the church a central role in Christian devotion, making Sant’Eustorgio one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Europe. The current basilica, rebuilt in Romanesque style in the 12th century after the destruction caused by barbarian invasions, features a three-nave structure with an imposing bell tower. The simple facade, with its exposed bricks, conceals an interior rich in art and history. The main altar, dedicated to Sant’Eustorgio, is located in the oldest part of the church, which still retains traces of the early Christian structure. One of the main attractions of the basilica is the Chapel of the Magi, added in the 13th century to house the relics of the Three Wise Men. The chapel is decorated with 14th-century frescoes depicting episodes from the life of the Magi, created by artists of the Lombard school. These frescoes, with their vivid colors and expressive figures, represent a rare example of medieval art in Milan. The relics of the Magi were later stolen and taken to Cologne by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1164, but a small part was returned to the basilica in 1904, making the chapel a place of great historical and spiritual interest. The basilica of Sant’Eustorgio is also famous for housing the Portinari Chapel, a masterpiece of Lombard Renaissance. Built in 1462 at the behest of banker Pigello Portinari, the chapel was designed by Michelozzo and decorated with frescoes by Vincenzo Foppa. The frescoes narrate the life and miracles of Saint Peter Martyr, whose relics are kept in a marble urn sculpted by Giovanni di Balduccio. The chapel is an extraordinary example of Renaissance architecture and decoration, with a harmonious combination of sculpture, painting, and architecture that creates an environment of great beauty and spirituality. Another element of great interest is the cloister of the basilica, dating back to the 13th century. The cloister, with its elegant arches and central garden, is an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Milan. The portico is decorated with 14th-century frescoes illustrating biblical scenes and saints, offering further evidence of the artistic and historical importance of Sant’Eustorgio. Over the centuries, the basilica has undergone numerous restorations and expansions, which have helped preserve and enhance its artistic and architectural heritage. During the Baroque period, new chapels and altars were added, enriched with works by artists such as Cerano and Morazzone. These interventions have given the church an eclectic character, reflecting the different epochs and styles that have succeeded in its long history. An interesting anecdote concerns the bell tower of Sant’Eustorgio, which is the second tallest in Milan after that of the Duomo. Legend has it that the bell tower was so high that it served as a beacon for pilgrims heading towards the city to venerate the relics of the Magi. This detail, although probably apocryphal, emphasizes the importance of the basilica as a spiritual and geographical reference point.