Imagine for a moment the Milan of the late 15th century. Here, before us stands the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Passione. It is a testament to faith, art, and the ever-evolving spirit of this city. This church is one of the most beautiful monuments of the late Renaissance in Milan.
Initially built in 1486, the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Passione was conceived as part of a monastery for the Order of Canons Lateran. Giovanni Antonio Amadeo started the project. Giovanni Battagio then realized the initial designs as a centralized Greek cross. Cristoforo Lombardo designed the large dome later on.
Look closely at the facade. Giuseppe Rusnati designed the ornate facade in the late Baroque style. Panels depict the Passion of Christ.
Over time, the church transformed. In the late 16th century, Martino Bassi extended the nave. This change gave it a longer longitudinal axis. It conformed to the architectural styles of post-Reformation churches.
Let’s step inside the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Passione. The interior is home to a remarkable cycle of frescoes by Ambrogio Bergognone. Completed around 1510-1515, these frescoes adorn both the church and the canon’s rooms. They show Christ and the Apostles. Saints and Popes also feature prominently.
Notice the two organs. The one on the right is by the Antegnati Family. The other is by Valvassori.
The basilica is like an art gallery. Admire the St Charles Borromeo Fasting by Daniele Crespi over the main door. See Simone Peterzano’s Annunciation and Assumption in the fourth chapel to the left. Don’t miss the Last Supper by Gaudenzio Ferrari. Other masterpieces include Pieta by Bernardino Ferrari and Crucifixion by Antonio Campi. Take in Christ in the Garden by Ambrogio Figino.
The pillars of the cupola feature paintings by Daniele Crespi. These depict events relating to the Passion of Christ. Spot the Ecce Homo. Find the Crucifixion. Notice a Dead Christ supported by an Angel. Spot an Angel displaying the Sacra Sindone, a Washing of the Feet, a Raising of the Cross, and Descent from the Cross.
The adjacent monastery now houses the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory. It is a place of music and learning. Thousands of original musical manuscripts are kept here.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Passione is the second largest church in Milan after the Duomo. It is dedicated to the suffering and love of Christ and Mary.
The building stands on land donated to the Canons Lateran by Daniele Birago. Giovanni Battagio, who trained with Bramante, designed the church in the shape of a Greek cross. In 1530, Cristoforo Lombardo built the dome. From 1573, Martino Bassi changed the church to a longitudinal plan. The facade was completed in the Baroque era. Since 1807, the monastery has housed the Milan Conservatory.
As we leave the Chiesa di Santa Maria della Passione, remember the layers of history and art. They have shaped this sacred space. The Chiesa di Santa Maria della Passione embodies Milan’s enduring cultural legacy. Its walls echo with the stories of faith, artistic innovation, and the passage of time.