Gone but not forgotten. That’s the story of the Cappella di Sant’Ambrogio in Canton Santo. This small chapel once stood proudly in Busto Arsizio. It occupied a spot at the crossroads of Via Canton Santo and Via Sant’Ambrogio. Sadly it’s no longer there.
The Cappella di Sant’Ambrogio was more than just bricks and mortar. It held a special place in the hearts of the people. Within its walls resided a beautiful fresco. This fresco depicted the Madonna and Child. The Madonna was flanked by Saint Michael and Saint John the Baptist. They were the patrons of the town. The chapel also boasted a fresco of scenes from the life of Saint Ambrose. The artist was Biagio Bellotti.
Legend speaks of a miraculous event. During a procession with the image of Our Lady of Help. This miracle occurred right at the Cappella di Sant’Ambrogio. It involved the raising of a hand. This event was followed by an end to a devastating plague. A testament to the chapel’s spiritual importance.
The Cappella di Sant’Ambrogio met its demise in the 1930s. A plan for urban renewal changed the face of the Canton Santo neighborhood. The entire neighborhood was demolished. The chapel disappeared as well. New residential buildings rose in its place. Via Bramante now stands where the chapel once stood.
Although the physical structure of the Cappella di Sant’Ambrogio is gone. Its memory lives on. The story of the miraculous cure. The beauty of the frescoes. They remain in the hearts and minds of Busto Arsizio residents. It’s a poignant reminder of a bygone era. A time when this small chapel held such immense significance. The chapel’s legacy continues to inspire. It lives on in the stories told from generation to generation. A timeless testament to faith and community.