11 Churches In Milan: A Tourist Guide To Discover The City’s Beauty & Spirituality

Are you looking for the best churches in Milan, Italy? I got you covered. In this article, I will share with you the magnificent churches including famous cathedrals and basilicas around Milan. I love visiting churches whenever I travel, I believe that they are a perfect place to understand the culture and heritage of the location.

Even though the northern Italian city of Milan is well-known for housing one of the most magnificent churches in the world, there are many additional churches in the city that are worthwhile visiting.

The fact that Emperor Diocletian relocated the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Mediolanum in the year 286 A.D. highlights the fact that the Lombardy region’s capital has long been one of the most significant cities in Europe.

In 313 AD, the city of Milan also saw the issuance of the Edict of Milan, a decree that called for the acceptance of all religions. As a result, churches were built all over Europe, including Milan.

Here are some of Milan’s most well-known churches, magnificent landmark structures with a variety of fascinating backstories.

Here are the Best Churches in Milan, Italy:

1. Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

📍Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Fast-Track Milan Cathedral and Terraces Guided Tour
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5

The Duomo also referred to as the Milan Cathedral, is the third-largest church in Europe and the fourth-largest church in the world. It is the home of the Archbishop of Milan and measures 12,000 square meters in size.

Since 1386, the cathedral, which is devoted to Saint Mary Nascent, has served as the heart of the city. Its foundation was laid by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who passed away in 1402 with only half of the building completed, causing the construction to halt for nearly 80 years due to a lack of resources and inspiration. It was only picked up again in 1500, and by 1510 the octagonal dome was finished.

Napoleon Bonaparte compelled the façade’s completion in 1805, which ultimately required an additional seven years of construction. At the peak of one of the spires, a statue of Napoleon was erected in appreciation of his efforts. The final gate wasn’t finished until the 20th century, marking the end of the cathedral’s centuries-long construction, which was marked by its inauguration on January 6, 1965.

The highlights of a visit here are a climb to the roof and a descent to the Paleo-Christian baptistery beneath the west side of the Duomo. On the rooftop, 70 meters above ground, you can get a closer look at the intricate details of the spires and gargoyles adorning it as well as enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.

2. Santa Maria del Carmine

📍Address:  Piazza del Carmine, 2, 20121 Milano MI, Italy

Santa Maria del Carmine is a stunning church that holds great historical significance in Milan. This beautiful church was built in the 15th century and is located in the heart of the city. It became the home of the Carmelites when they left the Sforza Castle. It is considered to be one of the most important and beautiful churches in Milan, attracting tourists from all over the world.

The church’s facade is a breathtaking work of art, featuring ornate decorations and intricate details that showcase the skill and creativity of Pietro Antonio Solari, the architect who designed it. As you step inside, you are immediately struck by the grandeur of the church’s interior. The high vaulted ceilings and the beautiful frescoes on the walls create a serene and peaceful atmosphere that invites you to pause and reflect.

One of the most remarkable features of Santa Maria del Carmine is the beautiful organ that is housed inside. This magnificent instrument is considered to be one of the most important organs in Italy, with a rich and complex sound that fills the entire church. Listening to the music that emanates from the organ is a truly awe-inspiring experience.

Visiting Santa Maria del Carmine is an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a deep sense of spirituality and appreciation for the beauty of Milan. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone seeking a moment of peace and reflection, this church is a must-visit destination that should not be missed.

3. Santa Maria delle Grazie

📍Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Da Vinci’s Last Supper Guided Tour
🌟 Ratings: 4.5 / 5

A UNESCO World Heritage site in Milan, Santa Maria delle Grazie is a well-known church and Dominican convent. Its construction was commissioned in the fifteenth century by Francesco I Sforza, the Duke of Milan. Donato Bramante, who was then working for the Duchy, is credited with creating the apse’s design. He also added some Romanesque elements while maintaining the convent’s overall Gothic design.

The church is best known for the mural of The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo Vinciano) found in the convent’s refectory. This 15th-century wall painting was made by Leonardo da Vinci for his patrons Duke Ludovico Sforza and the Duchess; it was not made on wet plaster and is not a true fresco. Leonardo made the decision to paint on the stone wall and then cover it with a sealing layer because a fresco cannot be changed while the artist is creating it. 

Sometime after he finished, the work started to deteriorate. There are still two early versions of “The Last Supper,” which are thought to be the work of Leonardo’s assistant.

During World War II, the church and convent were hit by an allied aerial bombardment on the night of August 15, 1943. Some walls, including the one holding “The Last Supper,” which had been sand-bagged for protection, survived the destruction of much of the refectory. It is anticipated that the preservation efforts being made now and in the future will keep this painting intact for many centuries.

4. Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio

📍Address: Piazza Sant’Eustorgio, 1, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Navigli Walking Tour and Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5

Did you know that Milan is also known as the City of the Three Kings because of the Sant’Eustorgio Basilica? The historic church complex is located in Corso di Porta Ticinese, close to the Navigli and Darsena docklands.

One of Milan’s oldest churches, Sant’Eustorgio, was built in the 19th century after being founded in the fourth. When Milano was captured by the German Emperor Fridrich I, it once housed the artifacts of the Three Kings, which were taken as loot to Cologne. As a result of a 1903 agreement between the two cities, some of the relics are once more on display in the niche above the altar for the worship of the faithful.

A well-known, long-standing tradition that is still observed in Milan is the procession of the Three Kings during the Feast of the Epiphany. It begins at the Duomo Square and ends at Sant’Eustorgio Church. As per legend, when St. Barnabas brought Christianity to Milano, he preached and baptized the first Christians right here, making the Basilica a significant focal point for the city’s faithful.

The Diocesan Museum is housed in the historic cloisters of Sant’Eustorgio; it has an impressive collection of works of art that date back several centuries and presents an annual schedule of intriguing temporary exhibitions.

5. San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore Church

📍Address: Corso Magenta, 15, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Walking Tour of San Maurizio Monastero Maggiore
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5

Old church San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore was built in 1503 and is now standing. The church’s breathtakingly beautiful interior paintings have earned it the moniker “Sistine Chapel of Milan.” There is artwork literally everywhere you turn.

Originally, the church was a part of Monastero Maggiore, the city’s most significant female Benedictine convent, which is now the Civic Archaeological Museum. In keeping with Italo-Albanian custom, the church is still used every Sunday from October to June for Byzantine Rite celebrations in Greek. It also serves as a concert venue.

The complex was built during the Lombard era using some old Roman structures. There are still two of these remaining: a square tower that was once a part of the vanished Hippodrome and was later used as the church’s bell tower. The square tower is a remnant of the ancient Maximian walls. The Milan Archaeological Museum now resides in the monastery.

The series of 16th-century frescoes that cover the walls of the church is its most significant piece of art. Bernardino Luini’s frescoes of the Life of San Maurizio on the dividing wall flank an altarpiece with an Antonio Campi’s Adoration of the Magi.

San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore must be included on your Milan itinerary if you enjoy religious art.

6. Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore

📍Address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 35, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Private Navigli Neighborhood Walking Tour
🌟 Ratings: 5 / 5

The oldest church in Milan was built in the fourth century and is called the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore or Basilica of Saint Lawrence in English. It was one of the biggest churches in all of Europe, and it was devoted to the martyred Christian St. Lawrence. Its interior was completed in a unique way, with the lower half decorated with marble and the upper half adorned with mosaics. Its foundations were laid with enormous blocks taken from other Roman sites.

In the eleventh century, the current Basilica of San Lorenzo was rebuilt. It underwent renovation and redecoration in the 16th century. Its structure, which includes a dome and four towers, is comparable to that of Constantinople’s Hagia Sofia. The church’s original Byzantine design has survived all the renovations.

Outside the church, a replica of a statue of Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor, stands gracefully. The 16th century saw the addition of Milan’s tallest dome, the great dome. The remains of Galla Placidia, the wife of Ataulf and sister of Honorius, the last emperor of Rome, are interred in a coffin in the chapel. Behind the altar, a staircase leads to a room that looks like a tomb. It still has the original foundations, which were constructed using components from a Roman arena.

There have been numerous fires and renovations made to the Basilica of S. Lorenzo. But the basilica maintained many of the ancient structure’s elements. A huge quadrangular hall was built by using the materials from the columns of a 2nd century building. Probably built at the beginning of the 5th century, it lies opposite to the Basilica. At present, the columns are all that remains of the monumental hall front.

7. Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

📍Address: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, 15, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Guided Tour of the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio
🌟 Ratings: 4.5 / 5

The Church of Sant’ Ambrogio is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. It is considered to be one of the most ancient churches in Italy and one of the most historically interesting medieval buildings in Lombardy. The church was named after St. Ambrose who consecrated it in 386. When he died in 397, he was buried beside the bodies of St. Gervase and St. Protasius buried inside the Church.

Originally the church was known as Basilica Martyrum. It was a small three-aisled, transept-less church and was situated in an area where numerous martyrs of the Roman persecutions had been buried. The church was damaged in the August 1943 bombings. Architect Ferdinando Reggiori restored the building to its original form in the first half of the 12th century. 

Like many Lombard churches, this one is also made of brick; the clay in this region fires to a deep red. The Old Monk’s Tower dated to the 10th century whereas the Canon’s Tower dated back to the 12th century. Lombard churches are also characterized by the presence of huge gable over the nave and by a tall square belfry.

8. Santa Maria presso San Satiro

📍Address: Via Torino, 20123 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Hidden Treasures of Milan Guided Tour
🌟 Ratings: 4.7 / 5

The church known as San Satiro is actually called Santa Maria presso San Satiro. This Italian Renaissance structure, which is close to Milan’s Duomo, is renowned for its false apse, which creates an optical illusion. Donato Bramante is credited with creating this early instance of trompe l’oeil.

The church was constructed in 879 on the site of a prehistoric temple that the archbishop Anspertus had erected in honor of Saint Satyrus, confessor and sibling of Saints Ambrose and Marcellina. 

The current structure was built between 1472 and 1482 at the request of Duke Gian Galeazzo Sforza and Duchess Bona di Savoia, who desired a large temple despite the location’s limited size due to the Via Falcone’s busy traffic behind it. When designing churches back then, many renowned architects had to contend with a severe lack of available space.

Bramante came up with a brilliant solution to this issue by painting an optical illusion to make up for the choir’s awkwardly small depth of only 90 cm (3.0 ft), realizing one of the earliest instances of trompe-l’oeil in the history of art. Although optical illusions in architecture were common in the late Renaissance and Baroque, Bramante added a completely new level to them.

9. San Bernardino alle Ossa Church

📍Address: Piazza Santo Stefano, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Milan Off-the-Beaten-Path Private Walking Tour
🌟 Ratings: 4.3 / 5

A hospital was constructed next to the Santo Stefano Maggiore Church in Via Brolo, Milan, in 1145.

The graveyard quickly ran out of space due to the bodies from the new hospital. A short while later, in 1210, a small chamber was built to house the hospital’s bone collection, and nearby the bone chamber, in 1269, another small church was built.

King John V of Portugal decided to construct an exact replica of the Chapel in Evora, close to Lisbon, in 1738 after being moved by the sight of it.

At San Bernardino alle Ossa, the ossuary is now found at the end of a short hallway to the right of the church’s entrance. Sebastiano Ricci’s frescoes from 1695 are used to decorate the vault. Bones and skulls, some from the old ossuary and others from other nearby cemeteries cover every inch of the building’s walls. They also adorn the doors and the pillars.

Some have conjectured that the bones belonged to martyrs who were executed by heretics during the time of St. Ambros. However, it appears that most of the bones came from inmates who passed away in prison, from monks who ran the local hospital, the ancient Ospedale del Brolo, and from patients of that facility.

10. Basilica of San Nazaro

📍Address: Piazza S. Nazaro in Brolo, 5, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
🎫 Find Tickets – Book in Advance: Professional Guides Walking Tours-Milan Day & Night 
🌟 Ratings: 4.5 / 5

Between 382 and 386 AD, St. Ambrose built the Basilica of San Nazaro in Brolo from Milan to Rome. As it is said to contain pieces of cloth that were in contact with the Saints’ bodies who are buried in Rome, it was initially dedicated to the Holy Apostles. The Basilica is an example of paleo-Christian art in the city because of its ancient origins.

When the martyred St. Nazaro’s remains were discovered in 395, St. Ambrose altered the church’s dedication to keeping them safe inside. Legend has it that St. Nazaro, who was persecuted by Emperor Nero, was beheaded alongside his young student Celsus in Milan at a place known as “Tre Muri” in the Porta Romana neighborhood. Christians immediately stole the bodies out of fear of the Emperor’s wrath and buried them in a hidden location.

While the remains of Nazaro were transported to the basilica, the body of Celsus was left where it was discovered, where the church that was later dedicated to him is located (Corso Italia), and where the relics are kept.

Contrary to popular belief, the church façade is not constructed in the typical Romanesque fashion frequently seen in Milan. The Trivulzio Chapel saw the beginning of construction in 1512. It was built as a mausoleum for the Trivulzio family, who had Gian Giacomo Trivulzio as their marshal during the reign of Louis XII of France. It leans against the Paleochristian façade like an entrance vestibule to the church.

11. Basilica di Santa Maria della Passione

📍Address: Via Vincenzo Bellini, 2, 20122 Milano MI, Italy

The Church of Santa Maria della Passione is one of the most significant and solemn sacred structures in Milan, only surpassed in size by the Duomo.

The Church of Santa Maria della Passione, which was built in 1486 on top of the ruins of the earlier ancient chapel at the benevolent request of the wealthy prelate Daniele Birago, still has the original fresco from which it got its name. 

The Church is connected to the testimony of a Marian apparition, which occurred in 1590, which helps explain why the cult of Maria Addolorata (Our Lady of Sorrows) continues to draw pilgrims. Whether it be tradition or truth, the existence of artistic treasures like those that uniformly depict Holy Week and the Passion of Christ is unquestionably guaranteed.

These are just a few of the many renowned artists whose works were commissioned to adorn the Church of Santa Maria della Passione. Others include Giulio Cesare Procaccini, Bramantino, Daniele Crespi, and Il Bergognone. 

It would be impossible to adequately describe the size of the interior art collection; in fact, the Church is frequently compared to an art gallery. Particularly noteworthy is the exquisite decoration of the chapels in the right nave; if you lift your eyes, you will notice that the series of friezes depicts Christ’s Via Crucis.

The cycle of frescoes by Ambrogio da Fossano known as Il Bergognone in the Sala Capitolare, which depicts Christ and the apostles on the walls, the saints in the lunettes, and the Lateran canons on the breathtaking starry sky, is also not to be missed.

I hope that inspired you on which of these beautiful churches in Milan you should visit. I’d say all of them! The grandeur and history of these places of worship truly speak volumes of Milan’s rich history.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

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