Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola

Amidst the bustling energy of Milan, find a moment of peace at the Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola. This Baroque-style church stands proudly on Via Manzoni. It’s a testament to resilience and artistic passion. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola wasn’t always the serene sanctuary you see today. In 1623, a devastating fire destroyed the oratory of San Anastasia that stood on this very spot. From the ashes rose a vision. The Minims, a Catholic religious order, commissioned a new church in 1728. Marco Antonio Bianchi, a renowned architect, brought this vision to life. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola began to take shape. Its construction, a testament to Baroque grandeur, concluded in 1735. However, the facade remained incomplete, a stark reminder of unfinished business. It wasn’t until 1891 that Emilio Alemagna finally completed the facade. He added the finishing touches to Bianchi’s masterpiece. Inside the Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola, Baroque opulence unfolds. The main altar is a focal point. It features Giacomo Guerrini’s “Madonna and Child with St. Michael Archangel and St. Francis of Paola”. Oval bas-reliefs by Gaetano Perego depict the miracles of St. Francis of Paola. These intricate details add to the church’s rich narrative. The church also houses stunning frescoes. Giuseppe Giudici’s “Glory of St. Francis of Paola” adorns the nave ceiling. Francesco Guala’s “Assumption of the Virgin” graces the sacristy ceiling. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola has witnessed history unfold within its walls. In 1901, it hosted the funeral of the renowned composer Giuseppe Verdi. The church also bears the scars of World War II, having suffered damage during a bombing raid in 1943. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola has served various purposes throughout its existence. After the suppression of the Minims in 1804, the church and adjacent convent became an asylum for infants. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Paola isn’t just a church. It’s a story etched in stone and paint. It’s a symbol of Milan’s enduring spirit, a blend of artistic brilliance and historical echoes.