The white rectangular tower of the Cappella di San Giovanni Di Dio e San Vincenzo De Paoli stands tall and proud in the heart of Milan. This modern church, designed by the architects Luigi Mattioni and Ferdinando Terrosi, is a masterpiece of architectural innovation. It was dedicated to the two saints, Giovanni di Dio and Vincenzo de Paoli, who dedicated their lives to caring for the sick and the poor.
You can almost feel the history of this place as you stand before it. It was built in the 1960s, a time when Milan was undergoing tremendous transformation. The post-war era was a time of great change and progress, and the new churches built during this time reflect that. This church is more than just a place of worship, it’s a symbol of the city’s spirit and resilience.
The Cappella di San Giovanni Di Dio e San Vincenzo De Paoli is built in the shape of an oval. The oval shape was chosen to symbolize the embrace of God, meant to create a sense of warmth and community. The exterior is characterized by a combination of brick and concrete. The laterizio a vista is a hallmark of Milanese architecture. It is a style of construction that uses exposed bricks, giving buildings a rustic and traditional look.
The church is preceded by a rectangular body that houses the parish house. The facade of this building is characterized by a double order of rectangular windows and a brick cladding that is a visible reminder of the city’s industrial past. A large metal canopy covers the entrance, offering shelter to those who are entering the church.
It was indeed a bold choice, to build a church of such a unique design in a city brimming with historic cathedrals. But the Cappella di San Giovanni Di Dio e San Vincenzo De Paoli has stood the test of time. It remains an iconic landmark not only for its architecture but for its unique personality in the heart of Milan.