San Francesco d’Assisi

Nestled within Milan’s bustling urban fabric, San Francesco d’Assisi Church offers a surprising sanctuary. Gio Ponti sought to create a sacred space amidst the dense city. He designed a small public square in front of San Francesco d’Assisi. The church itself is a fascinating study in modern architecture. Commissioned to commemorate the Second Vatican Council, San Francesco d’Assisi stands as a testament to Ponti’s unique vision. The church’s asymmetrical, hexagonal plan echoes the design of the iconic Pirelli skyscraper. One of the most striking features of San Francesco d’Assisi is its facade. Extending beyond the church itself, the facade connects to the adjacent parish buildings. This creates an urban stage for religious rites, blurring the lines between sacred space and city life. Look up and notice the four skyward-facing windows. Their diamond arrangement, a recurring motif in Ponti’s work, adds a touch of elegance to the massive walls. Inside San Francesco d’Assisi, the spatial arrangement is similar to Ponti’s San Luca Church. A wide nave is flanked by two aisles. These are separated by reinforced concrete pillars. These pillars taper upwards to meet the beams of the gable roof, creating a sense of soaring height. Ponti’s attention to detail extended to every aspect of San Francesco d’Assisi. He designed the furniture, sacred vessels, and even the liturgical vestments. This dedication to creating a total work of art reflects the Art Nouveau philosophy. A wrought iron Way of the Cross, also designed by Ponti, adds a poignant touch. The diamond motif of the windows is repeated on the parish buildings. This creates an illusion of expanded space.