Milan's Hidden Gem You've Missed a Thousand Times 🏰🎨

Milan has more than just the Duomo Cathedral to check out; for instance, the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Church recommended today is located in the heart of Milan. It's walkable from the Duomo, and you can also take a tram to get there. The exterior of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Church is very, very, very plain and unassuming. You might pass by it a thousand times without thinking of going in, but once you step through the doors, it delivers an absolute visual shock. It's a Renaissance treasure, known as "Milan's Sistine Chapel." The church is famous for its spectacular fresco decorations, completed by the renowned Renaissance painter Bernardino Luini and his students between 1522 and 1529. These frescoes include many Christian stories, lives of saints, and biblical scenes, adorning the walls and ceilings of the church in a magnificent and breathtaking manner. ✨ Historical Background San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Church has ancient Christian origins and was rebuilt in the 16th century. It was once part of Milan's most important Benedictine female monastery, the "Great Monastery." In 1503, the church was redesigned and rebuilt to accommodate cloistered nuns. Thus, the church is divided into two main areas: one for public worship open to the public and the other for the exclusive use of the nuns, known as the "nuns' choir." These two areas are separated by a partition, allowing the nuns to engage in religious activities without being disturbed by the outside world. ✨ Artistic Features The frescoes inside the church are a brilliant representation of Lombard Renaissance art. Bernardino Luini's frescoes are exquisite and delicate, depicting scenes such as the martyrdom of San Maurizio, San Sigismondo presenting a model of the church to San Maurizio, and more. The frescoes in the nuns' choir are particularly striking, including a magnificent "Noah's Ark" scene. In addition, the starry ceiling decorations, the "Mourning of Jesus" scene above the entrance, and various biblical story details fill the church with a religious atmosphere and artistic beauty. ✨ Highlights San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Church is a hidden treasure of Milan, worth exploring in detail. From the vibrant frescoes to the delicate stucco decorations, every detail showcases the essence of Renaissance art. Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00—17:30 Admission Fee: Free #DailyArtShare #CaptureTheMoment #MyLifeInPictures #Church #EveryDayWorthRecording #OffTheBeatenPath #Milan #Art #Xiaohongshu #Italy