Cappella della Pandina

“A chapel built for a banker? That’s unusual, isn’t it?” Now, look at this beautiful building. This, my friends, is the Cappella della Pandina. It was commissioned by a man named Pigello Portinari, a Florentine who moved to Milan to manage the Medici bank. Imagine the wealth he must have possessed to build such an elaborate chapel! The Cappella della Pandina might seem small from the outside, but don’t let that fool you. It houses incredible treasures inside. Pigello was a devout man, particularly devoted to Saint Peter Martyr. He chose this very chapel to be his final resting place. After Pigello died in 1468, the Cappella della Pandina took on another role, serving as the winter choir. Take a look up at the dome. Notice the angels depicted there, playing music? This detail hints at its time as a choir. The design of the chapel, with its square shape and dome, echoes the style of the renowned Florentine architect Brunelleschi. It seems Pigello wanted to bring a piece of his Florentine heritage to Milan. But the Cappella della Pandina isn’t just a Florentine transplant. It beautifully blends Tuscan Renaissance elements with the local Lombard style. Pay attention to the elaborate decorations as you step inside, especially the terracotta work on the beams, arches, and window frames. They create a captivating contrast with the vibrant frescoes painted by Vincenzo Foppa, which depict scenes from the life of Saint Peter Martyr. In the heart of the chapel stands the Ark of Saint Peter Martyr, a masterpiece by Giovanni di Balduccio. It’s a fascinating journey through art and history, wouldn’t you say?