“Did you know Gio Ponti designed the San Luca Evangelista church?” I ask. The church of San Luca Evangelista is one of three religious buildings in Milan designed by Gio Ponti. The others are San Francesco d’Assisi al Fopponino and the Chapel of Santa Maria Annunciata. The latter is within the San Carlo hospital complex.
San Luca Evangelista is the heart of its parish. Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini ordered its construction on June 21 1957. The Archdiocese of Milan commissioned Gio Ponti in 1954. The church addressed the needs of a growing population. Existing churches were often too small.
Construction began in December 1958 and finished in 1960. The inauguration was February 8 1961. Religious services were first held in a chapel at Via Jommelli 4. Later, a prefabricated building in the backyard was used. The house on Via Jommelli is now the rectory.
The architectural gem of San Luca Evangelista is at Via Ampère 75. The nearest metro stop is Piola Politecnico Università degli Studi. From there, walk a short distance on Via Pacini. Turn left on Via Ampère. The church is past the intersection with Via Vallazze. Gio Ponti also designed an apartment building on this street.
San Luca Evangelista has a long polygonal shape. Its structure uses reinforced concrete, favored by rationalists. The building’s essential form also reflects Rationalism. The church has three naves. A wide central nave is flanked by two narrow side naves. Columns separate these side naves from the main space.
Inside, a large assembly space encourages participation during Mass. You can admire interesting art. A partially polychrome wooden crucifix dates from the late 15th or early 16th century. Its artist is unknown. It stands prominently behind the altar. Carola Mazot’s Pietà depicts Don Andrea Florio. He loved contemporary art. Gioxe De Micheli’s Crucifixion and Deposition are also present. Both Mazot and De Micheli received critical acclaim.
Gio Ponti designed the original interior furnishings. Only the confessionals and benches remain today. The church is open daily from 8:00 to 12:30 and 15:00 to 20:00, during non-service times.
Outside San Luca Evangelista, notice the gabled roof. The facade is clad in ceramic stoneware tiles. A staircase leads to the entrance. The church is set back from the street to create a small churchyard. Parish rooms are located below ground level.
Antonio Fornaroli and Alberto Rosselli also worked on San Luca. They and Ponti had opened a studio in 1952. They maximized the limited lot space.
Before San Luca, the parish area belonged to San Giovanni in Laterano and Santa Maria Bianca della Misericordia. The parish was created due to population growth in the 1950s. Don Alessandro Aspes, the first priest, died on Saint Luke’s Day in 1992. This parish is twinned with the church of Santissimo Redentore of Ebaro, in Eritrea. San Luca Evangelista stands as a testament to architectural innovation. It serves as a spiritual center. Its doors welcome all.