“Milan’s Sistine Chapel,” they call it. Right here before you stands the Chiesa di San Maurizio, a church that conceals a world of vibrant art and captivating history behind its unassuming façade. Don’t let the exterior fool you. The Chiesa di San Maurizio is a treasure trove of Renaissance frescoes.
The Chiesa di San Maurizio was once part of the Monastero Maggiore, a Benedictine convent that housed noble Milanese women. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by a scene that could rival the Vatican. Every inch of the Chiesa di San Maurizio’s walls, from floor to ceiling, is adorned with vibrant frescoes.
These masterpieces, commissioned by prominent families like the Sforzas, offer a glimpse into the religious fervor and artistic brilliance of 16th-century Milan. The artist most prominently featured here is Bernardino Luini, a student of Leonardo da Vinci. Luini’s frescoes, particularly those in the St. Catherine chapel, are a triumph of color and composition, showcasing da Vinci’s influence while retaining a distinct style.
Now, let your eyes wander to the wall that divides the church. This wall wasn’t just a design choice. It separated the nuns from the public during services. The nuns could still participate, observing the mass through a gated opening. The artwork here is captivating. Bernardino Luini’s “Life of San Maurizio” graces this dividing line, flanked by an altarpiece depicting the “Adoration of the Magi”, a later addition by Antonio Campi.
Each chapel you see holds its own artistic treasures, a testament to the patrons and artists of the time. As you leave the Chiesa di San Maurizio, remember the stories whispered within these walls, stories of devotion, artistry, and the enduring power of beauty.