Perhaps surprisingly, the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità has a history of name changes and relocations. Once known as the Chiesa di San Giovanni in Era or San Giovanni Bocca d’Oro it later became the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità.
Let’s explore the story of this sacred place. The name San Giovanni in Era likely evolved from the Latin “os aureum” meaning “golden mouth”. Records show its existence as early as 1361 in the annual manual of the Milanese clergy.
In 1587 the church underwent reconstruction. Until its suppression in 1786 it housed the Confraternita della Santissima Trinità. The exact demolition date remains unclear. However records indicate the church was still standing in 1855 but gone by 1891.
In the 18th century the church featured a single nave with a painted wooden roof. Serviliano Latuada noted a painting by Camillo Procaccini above the main altar. This depicted Jesus Christ on the cross with Saint John the Baptist and Saint Stephen completed around 1590. After the suppression of the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità in 1786 the painting found its way to Florence. It was part of an exchange of artwork between the galleries of Florence and Vienna in 1793. Since 1822 it has been displayed at the main altar of the Church of San Martino alla Scala.
The Oratorio della Santissima Trinità also featured a painting by Antonio Busca. Frescoes by Andrea Porta adorned its walls.
Now fast forward to 1964. Fritz Metzger designed a new church for the Santissima Trinità in the Paolo Sarpi district. The building stands elevated above street level. A staircase ascends to a large churchyard covered by an overhang. This overhang consists of two imposing square plates with an overturned truncated pyramidal profile. They are supported by cruciform central pillars that taper downwards.
The facade of the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità is covered with Bardiglio marble slabs. The voids of the entrances and the protruding volume of the triangular ambo characterize it. Carlo Paganini’s bas-relief of the Trinity embellishes the facade.
Inside, the Oratorio della Santissima Trinità follows a modular design. Four square modules create the church hall. Ribbon windows illuminate the single space beneath the eaves of the roof. Cuts of light appear at the connection between the four cover plates.
Stepping inside you’ll find that the interior centers around the altar space. Pews are arranged in a semicircle. The semicircular altar is made of cement and granite. A curved backdrop clad in mosaics and colored stones encloses it. The tabernacle and two symmetrical stone panels depicting angels adorn the backdrop. The vibrant colors contrast with the exposed concrete perimeter walls. Colored glass defines the edges of the walls creating a unique effect. An antique fresco from the previous church hangs on one of the walls.
The Oratorio della Santissima Trinità stands as a testament to architectural innovation and artistic expression. It embodies a blend of historical transformations and modern design. It offers a space for worship and community.