“Mozart slept here.” Ever heard that whispered about a Milanese church? We are standing before the Auditorium San Marco. This wasn’t always an auditorium. It began life as the Church of San Marco. Now, let’s explore its fascinating past.
The Auditorium San Marco started as a church. It has a story stretching back to 1254. Lanfranco Settala founded it. He was the first prior general of the Augustinians. The church honored Venice. Venetians helped Milan against Emperor Frederick I.
San Marco, Milan retains relics of its long history. Look up. The bell tower and stone portal are impressive. Giovanni di Balduccio da Pisa likely created the portal around 1320. See the three statues. They depict St. Mark, St. Ambrose, and St. Augustine.
Now, picture young Mozart. He lived in the rectory for three months in the late 18th century. An informative plaque commemorates his stay.
But there is more than just Mozart. The Auditorium San Marco boasts a wonderful organ. It dates back to 1875. It was beautifully restored in 2019. The organ resonated once again. Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem Mass debuted here in 1874. Verdi composed it in honor of the deceased Alessandro Manzoni.
For those who love tradition, San Marco features a painted cardboard nativity scene. It dates to the mid-18th century. The Auditorium San Marco is also inclusive. It’s part of a project for visually impaired visitors. Multisensory panels describe the interior. They integrate visual, tactile, and auditory communication. Innovative 3D printing makes it all possible.
The Auditorium San Marco underwent significant changes. In the 17th century, it transformed into Baroque forms. It became Milan’s largest church after the Duomo.
Notice the facade. Carlo Maciachini restored it in 1871. He preserved the marble portal. Note the tympanum and gallery of small arches. Also admire the rose window. The lunette displays a mosaic. It depicts the Madonna between Saints. Angelo Inganni created the original.
Inside, Gian Paolo Lomazzo created frescoes in the first chapel on the right. The right transept features a fresco by Fiammenghini. It portrays Alexander IV Instituting the Order of the Augustinians. A 14th-century Crucifixion was discovered beneath it in 1956. Giovanni di Balduccio created the tomb of Lanfranco Settalo. It is a sarcophagus from the mid-14th century.
Near the rear exit, find a 16th-century tombstone. It portrays the Angel of the Resurrection. Another fresco by the Fiammenghini is also present. Frescoes on the presbytery walls depict scenes by Camillo Procaccini and Giovanni Battista Crespi.
From a church with Mozart to Verdi’s Requiem, the Auditorium San Marco has seen much. Its history is rich. Its walls have stories to tell. Today, it stands as a unique space blending history and culture. As we leave, remember the echoes of music and faith that resonate within these walls.