Curious about a church linked to Venice right here in Milan? This is the Chiesa di San Marco Evangelista. It stands in the artistic Brera district. The Chiesa di San Marco has a rich history. It served as the cradle of the Augustinians in Milan. This lasted from the late Middle Ages into modern times.
The Chiesa di San Marco was founded in 1254. Lanfranco Settala established it. He was the first prior general of the Augustinians. The site was originally dedicated to St. Mark. It honored the Venetians. They fought with Milan against Emperor Frederick I.
From its past the Chiesa di San Marco retains notable features. See the bell tower. Admire the imposing stone portal. Giovanni di Balduccio da Pisa is credited with its creation around 1320. The portal features three statues. They depict St. Mark, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.
The Chiesa di San Marco has hosted many important guests. In the late 18th century Mozart resided in the rectory for three months. The church proudly holds a very old organ built in 1875. It was restored to its former glory in 2019.
Giuseppe Verdi’s Requiem Mass debuted here in 1874. It honored the recently deceased Alessandro Manzoni. Donations from the faithful helped with the restoration. The Church of San Marco is also known for its unique nativity scene. It is made of painted cardboard. It dates back to the mid-18th century.
The Chiesa di San Marco participates in a special project. This project assists visually impaired visitors. It provides multisensory information panels. These panels integrate visual tactile and auditory communication. Innovative 3D printing and new technologies make this possible.
Note the façade’s 1871 restoration. Carlo Maciachini preserved key elements. These elements include the marble portal and a rose window. Also see the statues attributed to Giovanni di Balduccio. A lunette mosaic shows the Madonna between Saints. This is a copy by Angelo Inganni.
The bell tower dates back to the 14th century. It underwent restoration in 1885. Inside the Chiesa di San Marco the Baroque style is evident. There is a nave with two aisles. The first chapel on the right contains frescoes by Gian Paolo Lomazzo.
In the right transept there is a fresco by the Fiammenghini. It depicts Alexander IV Instituting the Order of the Augustinians. A 14th-century Crucifixion was discovered beneath it in 1956. Anovelo da Imbonate is identified as its creator.
Several sarcophagi from the mid-14th century are housed in the right transept. Among them is the tomb of Lanfranco Settalo. Giovanni di Balduccio created it. Near the rear exit is a 16th-century tombstone. It portrays the Angel of the Resurrection. There is also another fresco by the Fiammenghini.
The side walls of the presbytery feature works by different artists. See the Dispute of St Ambrose and St. Augustine by Camillo Procaccini. Admire the Baptism of St. Augustine by Giovanni Battista Crespi. The Chiesa di San Marco Evangelista offers free admission. It is accessible by underground and bus. Its blend of history art and music creates a unique experience.