Imagine stepping back in time to the 5th century, when this very spot held a prison, infamous for holding the martyred Saint Alexander. This is the very foundation of Sant’Alessandro in Zebedia, an early Lombard Baroque masterpiece that rises before us. Built for the Barnabite order in 1601, this church stands as a testament to faith and artistry. As the church was constructed, it marked the end of two smaller buildings, the pre-existing Sant’Alessandro church and the oratory of San Pancrazio, which stood where a Roman prison once held Saint Alexander. The Barnabites played a significant role in the church’s history, building the adjacent convent and college. Their influence remains evident in the church’s elegant facade, with two campaniles flanking the entrance. Inside, a magnificent dome, intricately painted by Filippo Abbiati and Federico Bianchi, captures the essence of paradise. And just below the dome, six canvases by Agostino Santagostino bring the life of St. Alexander to life. Let your gaze wander further, and you will discover the work of Camillo Procaccini, whose Assumption of Mary captivates with its intricate details. Despite numerous renovations, Sant’Alessandro in Zebedia retains its original character, blending history and artistry into a captivating spectacle for visitors to discover.
Nuovo Cimitero di Cologno Monzese
“A timeless sanctuary,” the old woman whispered, her gaze fixed on the rows of marble within Nuovo Cimitero di Cologno