Church of San Pietro in Gessate

San Pietro in Gessate, located in the heart of Milan, is one of the city’s most important Gothic churches, rich in history and art. The church was built at the end of the 15th century commissioned by the monks of the Order of the Servants of Mary, with the first stone laid in 1447. The architectural design, attributed to Guiniforte Solari, stands out for its Gothic forms, characterized by pointed arches and ribbed vaults, giving the interior a solemn and mystical atmosphere. San Pietro in Gessate is famous for its frescoes, masterpieces of Lombard Renaissance. Among the most important are those by Giovanni Donato Montorfano and Bernardino Butinone, decorating the Grifi chapel. These frescoes, commissioned by the Grifi family, depict scenes from the life of St. John the Baptist and the Virgin Mary, with a mastery that highlights the artists’ skill in handling light and color. The Foppa chapel is another gem of the church, frescoed by Vincenzo Foppa. This pictorial cycle, dedicated to the stories of the life of St. Peter Martyr, is an extraordinary example of Foppa’s ability to create narrative compositions rich in details and human expressions. The vibrant colors and realistic figures give a strong emotional impact to the scenes, making them particularly engaging for the visitor. Another element of great interest is the main altar, a Baroque work from the 17th century, replacing the original Gothic altar. This altar, richly decorated with polychrome marbles and statues, represents a perfect example of Baroque opulence, with its combination of precious materials and complexity of forms. San Pietro in Gessate also has a significant historical connection to some important events in Milan. During the period of the Five Days of Milan in 1848, the church was used as a field hospital for the wounded in battles against the Austrians. This episode highlights the importance of the church not only as a place of worship, but also as an integral part of the community and city history. An interesting anecdote concerns the tomb of Giovanni Andrea Vimercati, one of the church’s patrons, located in the Vimercati chapel. This tomb is a significant example of Lombard Renaissance sculpture, with a representation of the deceased in a praying position, surrounded by angels and saints. The tomb reflects the importance of the Vimercati family in Milan’s history and their role in promoting the arts. The church’s facade, although altered over the centuries, still retains Gothic elements such as the central rose window and pinnacles. The main entrance, with its decorated portal, invites visitors to discover the artistic wonders inside. The side aisles, also covered with ribbed vaults, house numerous chapels decorated with frescoes and paintings, each telling a different story and contributing to the cultural richness of the church. The restoration of San Pietro in Gessate in the 1970s allowed for the recovery of many frescoes damaged by time and humidity, bringing to light hidden details and original colors. This intervention has made it possible to fully appreciate the beauty and historical and artistic importance of the church, making it a must-visit destination for art and history lovers.