Dedicated to saints who protected against the plague, Chiesa Santi Rocco e Sebastiano stands as a testament to Milan’s resilience. This church has a layered history. It reflects both faith and architectural evolution. Let’s unravel its story.
The original church emerged in the late 15th century. People built it to seek protection from the plague. Some believe it was built over an older chapel. This chapel honored San Sebastiano and San Rocco. Galeazzo Maria Sforza had commissioned it half a century before.
By 1616, Chiesa Santi Rocco e Sebastiano gained parish status. The cult of San Rocco grew stronger during the 1630 plague. Many plague victims were buried near the church. For three years the church oversaw the ancient Cemetery of San Rocco al Vigentino. That cemetery was established behind the church in 1783.
The church’s history is somewhat murky between the 17th century and 1786. 1786 was the year it was deconsecrated. Domenico Aspari’s print still showed the church’s bell tower. That print was created two years after its deconsecration. This means that the church wasn’t demolished directly after its desanctification.
Following its suppression, the church’s artworks and sacred furnishings were moved. They found a new home in the new Chiesa di San Rocco. This new church was built near the current Viale Sabotino in 1791. Sadly, that church too was eventually demolished.
The facade of Chiesa Santi Rocco e Sebastiano once featured frescoes. These frescoes depicted San Rocco and San Sebastiano. Both saints were protectors against the plague. Painters from the Bramante school created these works. Descriptions of the church’s interior differ. Carlo Torre described a single nave in the early 18th century. Serviliano Lattuada described three naves just over thirty years later.
Today only one artwork from the original Chiesa Santi Rocco e Sebastiano survives. It is a polyptych created in 1523 by Cesare da Sesto. It is known as the Polyptych of San Rocco. Parts of it are preserved at the Sforza Castle Museums.
Think about the artists who contributed to this place of worship. Consider the people who sought solace within its walls. Chiesa Santi Rocco e Sebastiano’s story extends far beyond its physical structure. It is a story of faith, art and community.