Behold San Francesco di Paola a Baroque church on Via Manzoni. Its story is one of fire destruction and rebirth. We stand before a testament to Milan’s resilience. San Francesco di Paola is more than just a church. It is a landmark with a rich history.
An oratory once stood here dedicated to San Anastasia. But flames consumed it in 1623. The Minims then commissioned the present church. Construction started in 1728 using Marco Antonio Bianchi’s designs. Notice the facade’s top. Emilio Alemagna added to it in 1891. San Francesco di Paola was finally completed in 1735. It was then consecrated.
Inside San Francesco di Paola rich Baroque decor welcomes you. Look at the main altar. Giacomo Guerrini’s altarpiece shows the Madonna and child. St Michael Archangel and St Francis of Paola are also depicted. Gaetano Perego created the oval bas-reliefs. They illustrate the Miracles of St Francis of Paola. These were finished by 1753. Giovanni Antonio Cucchi painted in the church library. His paintings show the Triumph of Art and Science from 1754. He also painted an altarpiece with St Francis of Sales.
Now gaze towards the sacristy ceiling. Francesco Guala frescoed it. The Assumption of the Virgin is displayed from 1756 to 1757. Guala also painted canvases. These show Christ in the Garden and Christ with Crown of Spines. Giuseppe Giudici frescoed the nave ceiling. It shows the Glory of St Francis of Paola.
Let’s jump to 1804. The Minims were suppressed. The church and convent became an asylum for infants. Later San Francesco di Paola hosted Giuseppe Verdi’s funerals in 1901. Even bombings in 1943 couldn’t erase its importance.
San Francesco di Paola stands as a reminder. It connects us to Milan’s artistic and religious past. Take a moment to appreciate the details. Think of the artists who poured their hearts into this sacred space. Consider the historical events that shaped San Francesco di Paola. It remains a symbol of faith and artistry. It is a place where history beauty and spirituality converge.