Here we are at Chiesa di San Martino in Lambrate. This church stands as a testament to faith. It is a landmark in the Lambrate district of Milan. Its story is woven into the very fabric of this community.
Chiesa di San Martino in Lambrate has a rich history. A house of worship existed here as early as 1181. However, the church gained parish status in the 16th century. Saint Carlo Borromeo himself elevated it. He also visited it many times. Back then, San Martino oversaw a large area. It even included the nearby Ortica territories.
The current Chiesa di San Martino in Lambrate took shape in the early 20th century. The area’s population boomed. The old church could no longer accommodate everyone. So a new one was needed. Architect Ugo Zanchetta designed it in the neo-Romanesque style. Construction started in 1914 and finished in 1928. Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster consecrated it in 1931.
Notice the exterior of Chiesa di San Martino in Lambrate. It blends Romanesque tradition with a touch of modernity. The facade features exposed brick with stone accents. Three arches lead into the entrance. Above, five windows illuminate the central nave. A cross crowns the facade.
Take note of the bell tower. It’s the only piece left from the 15th-century church. The upper part with the clock was added later in the 20th century. It houses five bells.
Inside Chiesa di San Martino in Lambrate, the space is divided into five naves. Twenty granite columns support the structure. Each column has a unique capital made of Saltrio stone. Light streams in through 37 openings. This creates a vibrant play of light and color. The wooden roof adds warmth.
Look at the altar of the crucifix. It holds a 19th-century processional cross. An artwork of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is present. Vanni Lenna painted it in 1950. Also find the wooden pulpit from 1935. Statues of Saint Joseph and two altarpieces adorn the space. One altarpiece depicts the Nativity of Mary. It is from the 17th century. The other shows the Assumption. It is from the 19th century.
Don’t miss the mosaic in the presbytery apse. Trento Longaretti created it in 1982. It shows Christ Pantocrator. Three large windows illuminate this impressive artwork.
Chiesa di San Martino in Lambrate also has a statue of Our Lady of the Girdle. It’s the patron saint of Lambrate. The statue dates back to 1578. It was made to give thanks for the end of a plague. Locals carried it in processions during the village festival until recently.
Chiesa di San Martino in Lambrate is more than just a building. It is a symbol of faith, history and community. Its walls hold stories of generations past. Its art inspires. Its presence provides solace. It is a place where tradition meets modernity. It is a treasure in the heart of Lambrate.