San Pietro Apostolo

Hidden within the walls of San Pietro Apostolo lies a story spanning centuries. This church in Arese a Milan suburb wasn’t always as grand. It replaced a smaller church in 1880. The old church had become too small for the growing community. Don Enrico Mora the local priest initiated the building project. Monsignor Giuseppe Negri funded and blessed the new San Pietro Apostolo in 1882. The construction wasn’t easy. Limited funds meant the church’s facade remained unfinished. Its walls were bare. The windows lacked decorative panels. The original black marble altar from the old church looked out of place in the larger building. Further donations were needed. Monsignor Negri generously contributed 20000 liras. This helped build the bell tower completed in 1886 by engineer Cesare Nava. New bells replaced the old ones increasing their number from three to five. The community’s contributions ensured the bell tower’s consecration in 1887. The final design was by architect Zanchetta. He embraced Neoclassical architecture a style popular in Milan at the time. His work featured columns used not for structural support but as decorative elements. The church’s marble altar sculpted in 1913 is a masterpiece. Frescoes by Mario Grandi Chiodo depict the Conversion of Paul the Apostle and Jesus giving the keys to St. Peter. Angelo Galloni’s 1938 cupola fresco showcases the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel patroness of the Carmelite Order. The pipe organ near the main entrance adds to the church’s charm. The interior’s decoration continued for years. Painters Comazzi and later Grandi added frescoes. Artistic glass adorned the windows in 1934. Finally in 1938 Gallone decorated the chapel. The San Pietro Apostolo stands as a testament to community spirit dedication and artistic vision. Its story is woven into the very fabric of Arese. It reflects the evolution of faith and artistry. San Pietro Apostolo stands as a beacon of history and beauty. Its quiet grandeur speaks volumes. It invites you to contemplate its rich past and present.