Lost in the heart of Milan stands the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena. Its story isn’t one of grand palaces or sprawling estates. It’s a tale woven from the lives of Augustinian nuns. The Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena wasn’t always here.
Around 1500 the “monache del Paradiso” moved. They left a cramped monastery. They sought refuge in a larger space near the churches of San Biagio and Sant’Ippolito. This area became known as the contrada della Maddalena now Via Maddalena. The Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena slowly rose from those humble beginnings.
A century later these tenacious nuns expanded their territory. They absorbed the small square in front of the older churches. San Biagio and Sant’Ippolito were demolished. This cleared the path for the construction of the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena. Imagine the monumental task. The echoes of hammers and chisels. The scent of fresh mortar filling the air.
Construction of the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena started in 1594. The monumental facade however wasn’t completed until 1721. Giovanni Ruggeri designed its stunning two-part structure. The lower section had five vertical sections. These featured Corinthian pilasters. Niches adorned the outer sections. The central section boasted the main entrance. The upper section was narrower. It showcased three large windows. Statues decorated the facade and surrounding buildings. A sculpted bust of Mary Magdalene sat above the entrance. It bears the inscription “DILEXIT MULTUM” She loved much.
Inside the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena lay a treasure trove of art. Two chapels lined each side. The richly decorated main altar featured marble and sculptures by Mauro Milanese. Ortolano di Fede Galizia’s altarpiece depicted Christ’s appearance to Magdalene. Agostino Santagostino’s paintings of Magdalene’s actions flanked it. Other artistic masterpieces adorned the chapels. These included works by Camillo Procaccini Luigi Scaramuccia and Ercole Procaccini. Giovan Battista Della Rovere painted the ceiling. The Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena was a vibrant hub of artistic expression.
Sadly in 1798 the Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena met its end. It was suppressed along with its convent. Yet the memory of this church endures. Its story is a testament to faith perseverance and the enduring power of art. The Chiesa parrocchiale di Santa Maria Maddalena lives on in the memories of those who knew its beauty. The artists who created its treasures and the nuns who called it home.