Gazing upon Santa Maria alla Fontana, one can hardly imagine the bustling Isola district just beyond its walls. The sanctuary, tucked away, invites a quiet contemplation. Its very name, Santa Maria alla Fontana, whispers of the miraculous fountain within. In 1507, the French governor, Charles II d’Amboise, sought healing from the waters of a local spring. Legend says he vowed to build a sanctuary dedicated to the Virgin Mary if he was cured. And so, Santa Maria alla Fontana was born. Though initially attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, documents reveal the architect was Giovanni Antonio Amadeo. The unassuming brick exterior of Santa Maria alla Fontana hides a treasure. The entrance is tucked away, requiring a detour around the church. Descending a staircase, visitors enter a peaceful cloister. The gentle sound of water guides them to the heart of the sanctuary – the fountain. This small, sacred space is adorned with frescoes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, some attributed to the school of Bernardino Luini. The vaulted ceiling boasts grotesque decorations and the figures of the twelve apostles. The fountain, once the source of miraculous healing, was enclosed in the 19th century after a fire. Today, the water flows from the city aqueduct, but the mystical atmosphere remains. Santa Maria alla Fontana stands as a testament to faith and history, a hidden gem in the heart of Milan.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to