Take a moment to look around. Do you see the imposing facade of San Barnaba? This church, a symbol of Milan’s rich spiritual history, is more than just a place of worship. It was the first building of the Barnabites order, a group dedicated to education and social justice. The order was founded in 1530 by Anthony Mary Zaccaria and was given the name “Regular Clerics of St. Paul”. They were given the old monastery of San Barnaba in Brova as their main seat in 1538. San Barnaba was so important to the Barnabites that they became commonly known as the Barnabites in their honor.
This church has a unique history of construction and expansion. The original monastery was too small, so they began renovations in 1545 but quickly realized they needed a larger building. Galeazzo Alessi was commissioned to design the new structure. The final touches were added in 1568 and marked the beginning of a new era for the Barnabites. The first mass was celebrated that same year by Archbishop of Milan Charles Borromeo, who was the order’s Cardinal Protector.
Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of Milanese Mannerist artwork. Look at the Stigmata of St. Francis by Giovan Paolo Lomazzo, a Pietà by Aurelio Luini, and two large canvasses of histories of St. Paul and Barnaba by Simone Peterzano. San Barnaba stands as a testament to the order’s enduring legacy and a reminder of Milan’s deep-rooted faith.