Right here near the Duomo at the top end of Via Torino, is a hidden gem. It is the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro. Have you noticed its fascinating faux perspective apse?
Santa Maria presso San Satiro holds a special place in Milan’s history. Archbishop Ansperto founded the church of San Satiro in the 9th century. It was dedicated to Saint Ambrogio’s brother. Saint Ambrogio is the patron saint of Milan. The adjacent Santa Maria presso San Satiro church was built later. It was erected in the second half of the fifteenth century. The purpose was to safeguard a miraculous icon. This icon was a votive painting. It depicted the Madonna with Child.
Now look closely. The space available to construct Santa Maria presso San Satiro was very restricted. The architect Donato Bramante faced a challenge. He needed to create the illusion of depth. He used visual deception skillfully. The apse appears to be 9.70 meters deep. It seems to be covered by a coffered barrel vaulted ceiling. But the apse is only 97 centimeters deep.
Bramante crafted a faux choir. He used painted stucco. This created an optical illusion. You only see the illusion when standing to the side of the altar. From the entrance, the apse seems authentic. It gives the impression of a much deeper space.
This masterful technique celebrates Italian art. It showcases the exceptional use of perspective. Don’t miss the chance to experience it firsthand in Santa Maria presso San Satiro. It is a testament to architectural ingenuity.
One of the most beautiful external views of Santa Maria presso San Satiro is at the rear. You can see it between Via Falcone and Via Speronari. The San Satiro chapel is older than the main church. It stands detached. It is a masterpiece of turrets and terracotta adornments.
Do you know that Bramante worked often with Leonardo da Vinci in Milan? They collaborated at Santa Maria delle Grazie. Also they worked together in Vigevano. Vigevano is a lovely village near Milan.
Bramante’s reputation grew so high. Pope Giulio II assigned him a big task. He was to design the Basilica di San Pietro in Rome. This happened when Bramante left Milan.
You can visit Santa Maria presso San Satiro from Monday to Saturday. It is open from 9:30 to 17:30. On Sundays, it is open from 14:00 to 17:30. The admission is free. You can reach the church by taking the M1 red or M3 Yellow underground line. Get off at the Duomo stop. Tram lines 2, 3, and 14 also stop nearby.
The tiny church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro is a secret Renaissance jewel. It’s a stone’s throw from the Duomo. Bramante unveiled his talent for perspective here. He probably learned it from Piero della Francesca. He transformed a small space into an apse many meters deep. It is an amazing optical illusion. Can’t you believe it? Come and see with your own eyes.