A fresco depicting a serene Madonna and Child graces the Santuario di San Felice. This sanctuary a hidden gem in Milan holds centuries of stories. Built on the site of a small chapel dedicated to Saint Mary of the Graces also called Saint Mary of the Cisterns its origins reach back to the 15th century. Numerous springs still exist in the area south of the complex a detail often overlooked.
The Santuario di San Felice owes its existence to the support of Ludovico III Gonzaga and his son Francesco. Francesco a cardinal in the Roman Church of Santa Maria Nuova and bishop of Bressanone played a crucial role in its construction. The sanctuary’s construction began in 1460 when it was entrusted to the Carmelite friars. In a few short years they transformed the small chapel into the church we admire today. The construction which was completed by 1470 is remarkable for its austere beauty.
Its single nave church with pointed arches supporting wooden roof beams is a testament to simple elegance. The presbytery features a groin vault. The main facade boasts a central pointed arch portal flanked by two windows with three-lobed frames. Above sits a circular oculus. A projecting porch supported by columns with leafy capitals adds a touch of grandeur. This porch is crowned by a gabled roof with a terracotta cornice. The lateral walls are plain with stone facing. Apertures appear only in the presbytery resembling those on the main facade. The square bell tower also built of faced stone has a four-pitched roof. Arcuated openings punctuate its bell chamber.
Inside the Santuario di San Felice you’ll find five bays. Four large ogival arches support the wooden roof trusses. Matroneums with underlying round arches are integrated into the lateral walls. Numerous frescoes adorn the walls. These frescoes a priceless collection dating back to the 1470s are a testament to the sanctuary’s artistic significance. They provide an intimate glimpse into the artistic sensibilities of the era. The sanctuary remained a Carmelite novitiate until 1770 when the Venetian Republic suppressed it. A period of neglect followed until the Carmelites returned in 1950. Restoration in the 1960s brought the stunning frescoes back to light.
The Santuario di San Felice is more than a place of worship. It’s a living testament to faith resilience and artistic excellence. It serves as a poignant reminder of the rich history woven into the very fabric of Milan. Stand here absorb the atmosphere and let the history of the Santuario di San Felice transport you through time.