San Maurizio Milan

San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, the 'Sistine Chapel of Milan'

The San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore with its beautiful murals is perhaps the most beautiful church in Milan Italy. It's also called the Sistine Chapel of Milan.

The 'Sistine Chapel' of Chiesa di San Maurizio

This church is located in the center of Milan and may not look impressive from the outside, but is more beautiful on the inside than the famous Duomo. However, when you enter the doors of the church you will be amazed what you will see here. Not a single spot in the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is uncovered. Everything has color, whether through paintings or mosaics, gold glitters everywhere. The pillars, ceilings, the walls, it is all decorated with decorations and prints. This church is also nicknamed 'The Sistine Chapel' of Milan.

History of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

The church with Milan's Sistine Chapel is located at what used to be the most important convent for women in Milan. In this part you will now find an Archaeological Museum. The construction of this church took about fifteen years and took place in the sixteenth century. The building was split into two parts – one for the nuns and one for the faithful – and it was not until the end of the eighteenth century that this strict barrier disappeared.

^{The facade of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore}

^{The beautiful interior of the San Maurizio}

Important decorative elements in the church

You can see many frescoes on the walls in this church and they date back to the sixteenth century. Works include by Luini (both father and son), Campi and Peterzano. They are mainly religious images, of various saints, angels, Jesus carrying the cross and Jesus when he dies. Another interesting object is the organ in the part where the nuns used to sit. This organ even dates back to 1554 and was designed by Antegnati. What you will notice is the powerful use of colors in the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. You will not miss the colored stained glass windows here.

Museo Civico Archeologico

Tip: Right next to the San Maurizio is the Museo Civico Archeologico. This is a small, but nice archaeological museum located in the adjacent monastery. Here you can admire two ancient Roman watchtowers up close and numerous sculptures and a beautiful manquete over three floors.

Where is the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore?