San Eugenio

“A place of worship” – you might say, but that doesn’t do this architectural masterpiece justice. San Eugenio is so much more than just a simple church. It is a prism of pure rationalism, its hexagonal form jutting out into the Milanese landscape. This modern marvel, designed by the talented architect Galesio in the 1950s, is a testament to the architectural movements of the time. Galesio himself, a master of his craft, also designed the Church of San Gaetano in Abbiategrasso. San Eugenio has a story to tell. It was part of the “Nuove chiese” project, an ambitious plan spearheaded by Cardinal Montini, the then-Archbishop of Milan. When you enter the church, you are greeted by a narthex, a space that acts as a gateway to the sacred. The space is light and airy, a stark contrast to many other grand churches. The building itself is a masterpiece of design and engineering. Inside, the main hall lacks ornate decorations, but it’s full of monumental grace. The static lines of San Eugenio are reminiscent of ancient traditions. You’ll notice the square columns, the rectangular beams, and the sloping roof – echoes of the great basilicas of Milan. Another interesting feature is the roof. It’s a masterpiece of engineering, a truss without a chain, cleverly leveraging the strength of U-shaped and T-shaped beams. The clever design creates a light and airy space. Did you know that San Eugenio is not limited to the main hall? It is a space that flows and connects. Just off the main space is the Chapel of the Madonna, where you can find a painting and graffiti created by the artist Baruzzi. The chapel also houses a small crucifix dating back to the 16th century. But that’s not all. The church has another chapel – the Eucharistic Chapel. This is a polygonal niche situated behind the nave. It’s home to a cubical tabernacle and a wooden sculpture of Christ. It’s a remarkable space. Lastly, there’s the baptistery. This is a unique creation carved from a single block of Serizzo stone. You can still see the marks from the quarry drill. Above it, a circular cavity holds the baptismal font and is capped by a bronze cover. San Eugenio, while seemingly simple, is a church overflowing with artistic and historical significance. It stands as a testament to a simpler, more focused vision of a place of worship, a subtle hymn to faith and beauty.