Church of San Maurizio Milan
Milan's Sistine Chapel
Whether you are an estimator of religious art or not, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is a must-see in Milan.
Let me state the obvious: the Catholic Church has had a massive impact on Italian art and culture - to the point that almost every memorable historical site throughout Italy is churches, chapels or religious buildings, and everywhere you go there's something memorable to see, but this is something different.
It’s not uncommon to find churches that are divided into two sections, usually one for the noble and the clergy, and one for commoners, but there was a different kind of "division" here. In fact, from the early 16th century to the early 19th century, San Maurizio was the home of cloistered nuns, who could only pray in the back of the monastery. For no reason could they go outside: they were only able to talk to their parents or receive the holy communion through two very small hatch windows on given occasions.
Thanks to a huge restoration, San Maurizio returned to its original splendor in 2015. The vaults in the back are just gorgeous, and the frescos by Bernardino Luini depicting outdoor landscapes really make you wonder, especially now that we know what a lockdown really is about.
Some call San Maurizio, a church that even hosts classical music concerts, “Milan’s Sistine Chapel”: I often take visitors here on my walking tours as a Greeter and people agree, it truly is a monastery of astonishing beauty.
Find your way with 185 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Milan
Tenoha Milano
Looks like Nippon, feels like Japan
"Tenoha Milano" has Nippon minimalism. No fluffy puff, no chichi, no HelloKitty. This place oozes craftsmanship, period. You'll wanna come back asap.
by
Michela
Susanna Maier
Chinese Box
Prime people watching
"Chinese Box" is a great place in Milan for people watching and aperitivo. Spend a couple of hours with a drink in hand at the 'terrace' and you'll know...
by
Ivan
Kalinov
Bagni Misteriosi
A tip-top swim in the city
Milan's "Bagni Misteriosi" might seem like too fancy a swimming pool for you, but if you go and if you're like me, you'll want to go again & again...
by
Susanna
Baggio
BIVIO
Second-hand fashion heaven
"BIVIO" was the very first fashion resale shop to open in Milan. It's constantly evolving, and nowadays offers flash sales, DJ sets & happy hours.
by
Susanna
Baggio
Conca dell'Incoronata
Da Vinci's genius at work
"Conca dell'Incoronata" is an ancient water basin in Milan, one of its most unique corners. I always fantasize about what might have been here...
by
Susanna
Baggio
10 Corso Como
Art belongs to everyone here
"10 Corso Como" in Milan is an essential art space with an elegant garden cafe & a sophisticated concept store. It's why it's worth checking open gates!
by
Susanna
Baggio
Hangar Bicocca
A huge factory turned expo site
"Hangar Bicocca" in Milan is an exposition site in an a former industrial hangar. It's the perfect place to see the world from a different perspective...
by
Susanna
Baggio
NUN
Not the ordinary kebab place
"NUN" in Milan is the perfect street food deli to have a quick kebab. It has been serving gourmet wraps in a neat atmosphere since 2013!
by
Susanna
Baggio
Via Lincoln
Milan's Notting Hill, so to speak
"Via Lincoln" and the area around it is Milan's very own Notting Hill! Not only that -- there's a little bit of Venice and Liguria in this garden district.
by
Susanna
Baggio
Heading to Milan?
185 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 185 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Milan
Get to know our other Spotters from Milan
As featured on:
