Peeking out from Via Crema, the Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Andrea e Rocco holds stories within its walls. This church has a layered past. It began as a sanctuary dedicated to San Rocco.
Back in 1616 Cardinal Federigo Borromeo declared the church a parish. The original church aimed to protect the city from the plague. Churches dedicated to San Rocco were common near city gates. San Rocco was often paired with San Sebastiano in worship.
Initially the Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Andrea e Rocco featured three naves. A portico graced the entrance adorned with frescoes and protected by a gate. A separate bell tower stood nearby. Frescoes depicted the life of San Rocco inside. Cesare da Sesto created a notable altarpiece in 1526. Parts of it are now in the Castello Sforzesco museums.
However in 1787 Joseph II of Austria suppressed the parish. The church lost a nave and was later demolished. Yet the community rallied. In 1791 the parish was re-established. It was given a new home in a temple dedicated to Saints Carlo and Aquilino.
This temple had been built in 1670 near a plague pit from 1630. It was meant to offer eternal solace to those who died. The church boasted a Greek cross layout with an octagonal drum. Inside a black marble altar showcased a painting of the Madonna.
As the population grew a new larger church became necessary. The new Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Andrea e Rocco was built. It was constructed on the former “Foppone di San Rocco” cemetery grounds. This cemetery replaced San Michele’s.
Dedicated to Saint Andrea in 1904 it honored Cardinal Andrea Carlo Ferrari. Though open for worship the parish remained San Rocco until 1916. Only then did it fully transition. In 1989 the name simplified to “Sant’Andrea”.
Inside the Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Andrea e Rocco you can find artistic treasures. A wooden statue of the Madonna Immacolata stands in the left nave. This 17th-century statue comes from the San Rocco church in Viale Sabotino. Once lost it was recovered by Monsignor Bernareggi.
Near the right side entrance is a large crucifix. Sculpted from a single block of Baveno granite it weighs 40 tons. The Comolli family donated it. Giulio Spada’s iron gate once protected it. It now graces the Madonna’s statue.
The main altar has evolved over time. The current altar was consecrated in 1980. It incorporates elements from earlier designs. Relics of Saints Valentino Antonino and Rocco are housed within.
The ciborium features columns from the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. These columns support a cupola adorned with mosaics. The cupola’s center displays the “razza”. This heraldic emblem symbolizes Christ’s cosmic role.
The baptistery sits at the left nave’s entrance. Giovanni Battista Rivetta painted the scene of Jesus’ baptism on the vault. The marble font features floral designs.
The Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Andrea e Rocco boasts a grand pipe organ. Built in 1934 by Balbiani Vegezzi Bossi it features 270 facade pipes. The organ has 46 registers and about 3000 pipes in total. Its electrical transmission was innovative for its time. The Chiesa parrocchiale dei Santi Andrea e Rocco stands as a testament to faith. It reflects artistic heritage and community spirit.