This serene oasis, the Grande chiostro, wasn’t always a tranquil escape. Imagine the 16th century. The Basilica di San Simpliciano buzzed with activity as Benedictine monks took over. Their numbers swelled, demanding more space. Thus began the construction of the Grande chiostro, or as it’s sometimes called, the “Chiostro delle due colonne.”
The Grande chiostro’s design, a symphony of Tuscan columns and graceful arches, is attributed to Vincenzo Seregni. Look closely at the paired columns. They stand in an unusual configuration, their axes perpendicular to the courtyard, a unique feature in Mannerist architecture. This distinctive design, rarely seen elsewhere, sets the Grande chiostro apart.
Above the lower columns, a captivating interplay of elements unfolds. Large triglyphs, resembling sturdy brackets, support the elegant Ionic pilasters of the upper loggia. Within these architectural divisions, arched windows peek out, crowned with faded frescoes depicting a procession of saints. The arched design pays homage to the Bramante’s masterpiece, the cloister of the Sant’Ambrogio complex, weaving a thread of architectural kinship through Milan’s historical tapestry. The Grande chiostro stands as a testament to the Benedictine monks’ vision, a quiet retreat from the bustling city, echoing with centuries of history and architectural ingenuity.