“Ever heard of a church completed in just over a year?” I ask, gesturing towards the Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo. This is the parish church of Precotto, a district of Milan. Its story is entwined with faith and quick construction.
Let’s delve into the Chiesa di San Michele’s past. A small chapel stood here as early as the 7th century. It was likely erected by the Lombards who had a special devotion to Saint Michael the Archangel.
Precotto became an autonomous parish in 1596. Archbishop Federico Borromeo decreed it so. However, the original Chiesa di San Michele was in poor shape. It wasn’t adequate for the growing congregation. So, between 1604 and 1605, it underwent renovation.
By the mid-19th century, the Chiesa di San Michele was again too small. The faithful petitioned Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary in 1857 to rebuild it. Architect Emanuele Odazio drafted plans in 1863. The first stone was laid on June 11, 1865. Just over a year later, the church was finished. The blessing ceremony took place on October 14, 1866.
In 1898, under the guidance of parish priest Don Luigi Cislaghi, the church’s interior was embellished. Archbishop Andrea Carlo Ferrari consecrated it three years later. The facade was completed in 1906.
Following post-Vatican II norms, a table facing the congregation was added in 1966. In 1972, the parish became part of the Turro deanery. This was due to Cardinal Giovanni Colombo’s reorganization of the archdiocese.
Now, observe the Chiesa di San Michele’s exterior. The facade is divided into two sections by a molded cornice. The lower section features three entry portals. Niches hold statues of Saint Michael and the Madonna. The upper section has a lunette window. A triangular tympanum crowns the facade with an oculus.
The square-based bell tower stands next to the Chiesa di San Michele. Its belfry has a single-light window on each side. A dome sits atop the drum.
Inside the Chiesa di San Michele, you’ll find a single nave. Side chapels open onto it through arches. Pilasters support a molded entablature. Above, a lowered barrel vault ceiling completes the structure. The presbytery is raised by three steps. It is bordered by balustrades. The sacristy and the Chapel of San Giuseppe flank it. A semicircular apse encloses the space.
The Chiesa di San Michele houses several notable works. These include the Via Crucis by Luigi Morgari. The choir stalls showcase depictions of Jesus Christ and the Apostles. Francesco Barzaghi created the bas-relief depicting the Deposition of Christ. Edoardo Rossi built the organ in 1911. Luigi Tagliaferri from Lecco signed paintings in 1898.
The Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo stands as a testament to faith. It also shows to rapid construction and artistic devotion. Its history and art make it a treasure in Milan’s Precotto district. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history and art within these walls.