Saint Sepulchre Square

Piazza San Sepolcro is a corner of Milan rich in history, which has its roots in ancient Roman times. Located in the heart of the city, the square takes its name from the Church of San Sepolcro, founded in 1030 and dedicated to the resurrection of Christ. This church, with its simple facade and interior rich in works of art, has been a religious and cultural reference point for centuries. In Roman times, the area where the square stands was the forum of Mediolanum, the political and commercial center of the city. Here, the cardo and the decumanus, the two main streets of the time, intersected, making this area the hub of public and administrative life. The remains of this glorious past are still visible nearby, with the Roman forum continuing to influence the toponymy and urban planning of the area. Over the centuries, Piazza San Sepolcro has undergone multiple transformations. During the Middle Ages, the construction of the Church of San Sepolcro gave the area a new religious significance, becoming a place of pilgrimage and devotion. The church, located near the Ambrosian Library, one of Milan’s most important cultural institutions, has hosted numerous significant historical events. One of the most relevant episodes in the modern history of the square took place on March 23, 1919, when Benito Mussolini founded the Italian Fasci of Combat movement right in this square. This event marked the beginning of fascism in Italy, and the participants in this first gathering became known as “sansepolcristi”. The square then became a symbol of the emerging fascist movement, with Palazzo Castani hosting the national headquarters of the National Fascist Party from 1921 to 1924 and then of the Republican Fascist Party from 1943 to 1945. During the fascist period, Piazza San Sepolcro acquired a particular significance, becoming the center of the political activities of the movement. Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, one of the main exponents of futurism and a supporter of fascism, celebrated the sansepolcristi with his “Poem of the Sansepolcristi”, exalting the fighting and revolutionary spirit of the participants in the first gathering. After the fall of fascism, the square gradually lost its political connotation, returning to being a place of historical and cultural interest. The Church of San Sepolcro, with its medieval crypt, represents one of the most fascinating elements of the square, offering visitors a glimpse into the religious history of Milan. The square, with its cobblestone pavement and its small size, retains an intimate and cozy atmosphere. It is a place where the past and present meet, and where every corner tells a story. The surrounding streets, rich in historic buildings and artisan shops, complete the picture of an area that has maintained its charm through the centuries. The restoration of the Church of San Sepolcro and the crypt has further enhanced the square, making it a must-visit for history and art enthusiasts. The crypt, in particular, with its frescoes and well-preserved architectural structures, offers a unique experience, allowing visitors to dive into the past and appreciate the richness of Milan’s historical heritage.