Did you know that this humble church, the Chiesa dei Santi Re Magi, wasn’t always dedicated to the Three Wise Men? In fact, it had a somewhat complicated past. It was first mentioned in the 14th century, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and was once even a lazzaretto, a place for people with leprosy. Now, it’s a quiet and peaceful place, but it has a long and rich history to tell. Picture it, if you will, hundreds of years ago, nestled in the countryside, a beautiful place where the city gave way to wide fields.
This was a different Milan, a city that expanded outward as the centuries passed. In the 17th Century, the church took on a new name: the Nativity of Mary. It wasn’t until 1704 that the church was finally dedicated to the Three Kings, the Magi who followed the star to Bethlehem. It was likely named this because, according to historical records, the church was decorated with a painting depicting the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child with the adoration of the Magi. They say that this little church, tucked away in the city, was the heart of this small community.
Today, the Chiesa dei Santi Re Magi sits amidst modern buildings. It is a quiet, peaceful sanctuary. The brick façade, simple and understated, bears witness to the centuries that have passed. The main portal, arched by a beautiful, blind gothic arch, is adorned with a small terracotta Madonna and Child sculpture. Take a moment to look up, to the circular stained-glass window. The intricate patterns, stained blue with the light of the sky, are a reminder of the church’s enduring spirit. As you step inside, you’ll find the church’s interior is just as simple as its exterior. The walls are bare, except for a few fresco fragments. The nave, lit by windows, is topped by exposed wooden rafters that echo the ancient construction of the church. The church is a testament to time and perseverance, a place where history and faith intertwine.