Chiesa di San Sebastiano

Discover cities like never before.

Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.

Why was a church built like a “tholos,” you ask, resembling those ancient Roman-Greek temples? Behold the Chiesa di San Sebastiano! The Chiesa di San Sebastiano, tucked away on Via Torino, often surprises visitors with its unique cylindrical design. This architectural marvel, commissioned in 1576 by Cardinal Borromeo, emerged as a beacon of hope amidst a devastating plague. Imagine the fear that gripped Milan as the pestilence swept through the city. The Spanish governor, fearing for his life, fled, leaving the people desperate for solace. Cardinal Borromeo, a man of unwavering faith, turned to St. Sebastian, the protector against plagues. He vowed to rebuild the city’s ancient church dedicated to the saint, envisioning it as a testament to the city’s resilience. Pellegrino Tibaldi, a master architect renowned for his Mannerist style, was entrusted with this sacred task. The Chiesa di San Sebastiano, with its circular form mimicking a “tholos,” stands as a tribute to a city’s struggle against adversity. It’s a place where despair once mingled with hope, where architecture transcended its physical form to embody the spirit of resilience.

The story of Chiesa di San Sebastiano in Milan is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Milan and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Milan in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Milan with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Milan – only with Explory.

More Places in Milan

Yeusefiya Cemetery

Were these once vibrant lives, now commemorated beneath our feet? We stand before the Yeusefiya Cemetery, a place where history

Explore

耿辛庄桥

Across the Jiuduhe River stands the majestic Luoshen Bridge. Its elegant arches whisper tales of emperors and dynasties. Luoshen Bridge

Explore

Zion Baptist Church

Founded in 1882 Zion Baptist Church stands proudly in Philadelphia. It’s a testament to faith resilience and community. This wasn’t

Explore

Boat house

The clean lines and simple elegance of the Bauhaus movement are all around us here in Tel Aviv. And yet,

Explore