The Chiesa di San Maurizio is a tribute to the ancient history of Milan.The 16th-century church and surrounding gardens have been restored and featuresome of the best-preserved frescoes in the city. The gardens contain the relicsof a Maximian wall. History enthusiasts will love exploring the ruins.
The Chiesa was once home to one of the most significantwomen’s convents in Italy. Inside the former convent buildingsis the Archaeological Museum of Milan. The museum covers the ancient history ofthe area, as well as dedicated exhibits to the medieval period and Greek andEgyptian history.
Start by exploring the grand church. The building itselfdates back to 1503, but remains in excellent condition. The vaulted nave ishome to a series of 16th-century frescoes by notable figures. See walls paintedby Bernardino Luini and his son, Aurelio. Opposite these is a large piece bySimone Peterzano, said to be the painter’s first in Milan.
Visit the Hall of Nuns to discover paintings depicting Saint Catherine,Saint Agatha and the Marriage at Cana. Here you’ll also find the church’s pipeorgan. The organ was constructed in 1554 and consists of 70 notes split betweenpedals and keys. Visit the church on a Sunday between October and June to hearthe organ played during the celebration of the Byzantine Rite.
Outside the church you’ll discover two towers, one of whichis the church’s bell tower. These polygonal towers are remnants of the Maximianwall that once cut through the church grounds. Continue through the gardens toreach the former convent, now home to Milan’s Archaeological Museum. Learnlocal history by seeing ancient relics and paintings. The museum containsinformation on both ancient and medieval Milan, as well as exhibits on Greece,Egypt and Israel.
The Chiesa di San Maurizio is located in central Milan. Reach the museumon foot by following Via Meravigli, which leads away from the Piazza del Duomo.Two metro stations also serve the area. The church is open daily. There is an admissionfee for the archaeological museum.
