Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

Welcome to the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, often referred to by art historians as the 'Sistine Chapel of Milan.' From the street, the building might seem relatively unremarkable—an uneventful 16th-century facade…

We begin our exploration in the 'Aula dei Fedeli' or the Hall of the Faithful. This was the public area of the church where lay worshippers and priests would gather for Mass. …

Of all the chapels in the Hall of the Faithful, the third on the right is perhaps the most fascinating, as it blends sacred art with high-society scandal. This was the final work of Bernardino Luini in the church, completed in…

Directly in front of you is the heart of San Maurizio: the 'Tramezzo' or the dividing wall. This massive structure is the physical symbol of the strict vow of enclosure that the nuns lived by for centuries. …

Passing through a narrow, humble corridor to the left of the Tramezzo, we step across the divide and into the Hall of the Nuns. This revelation is often a shock to visitors—the space is actually larger than the public hall. …

The frescoes in the Hall of the Nuns were designed to aid in the daily meditation of the Benedictine community. Bernardino Luini was heavily commissioned here by the Bentivoglio family, who had daughters in the convent. …

Dominating one side of the Hall of the Nuns is a magnificent functional pipe organ, built in 1554 by Giovan Giacomo Antegnati. This is an incredible example of Renaissance instrument-making and served as the musical backbone for…

As we conclude our journey through San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, take one last look around at the overwhelming beauty of this 'Sistine Chapel.' We have seen how a modest brick facade can hide one of the world's most…