 The Magnificent Churches Of Milan
Author: Steve Kevin
Milan is one of the most modern cities in Italy. It is a city
famous for its shopping being home to many of the signature
Italian brands such as Ferragamo, Christian Dior and Armani. In
every corner in Milan, you can find a fashionable boutique that
attests to the city's reputation as one of the fashion centers
of the world.
On the flip side, Milan is also home to the world's greatest
architectures including the oldest churches in Italy. The
capital of the late Roman Empire, it stood as Italy's pride and
power of the Catholic Church. You can walk around Milan and see
magnificent churches that are timeless as they are beautiful.
1. The Duomo. Built in 1386, the Duomo is Milan's most popular
cathedral. It is a massive Gothic structure with white marble
floor and pillars. Outside, you can see impressive spires that
seem to reach for the sky. Statues are also found in the
exterior and frescoes cover the facade both inside and outside.
You can take the bus or train to the Duomo. If you are near the
area, it would be best to take a stroll and view the equally
beautiful sights along the way. The church opens at 9:00 in the
morning and closes at 5:30 in the afternoon. Be sure though to
wear something appropriate. No revealing clothes for the women
and bags are required to be deposited at the entrance.
2. Saint Ambrose. This church is representative of the colorful
and heavily ornate design of the Byzantine era. This church
survived the bombing during World War II but some reconstruction
was required to revive this beautiful building. It has inside
some of the world's most beautiful Byzantine mosaics that can
simply take your breath away.
3. Saint Mary of the Graces (Santa Maria delle Grazie). This is
a World Heritage Site protected by the UNESCO and is famous for
housing Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper located at the refectory
in the convent of the church. Ordered by the Francesco Sforza,
the Duke of Milan, Santa Maria delle Grazie was started in 1469
and completed in 1490.
The convent was the first to be completed and housed Dominican
friars and nuns. Later, the church was added and Ludovico
Sforza, the succeeding duke decided to make the church the
family's official burial ground. Today, visitors can go in and
view da Vinci's masterpiece which, due to the wars that ensued,
reduced the painting only to one-fourth of the original.
4. Basilica of Saint Eustorgio. The bell tower of the
picturesque Basilica of Saint Eustorgio is one of its many
interesting architectural aspects. Instead of the usual cross on
top which marks it as a Catholic Church, the Basilica's bell
tower has the form of a star which signifies the Three Magi or
Kings whose tombs are enshrined here. The Basilica built in the
14th century is named after Saint Eustorgio II. It was believed
that the remains of the Three Magi were discovered by Saint
Helena in 314. She brought them to Constantinople and from
there, Saint Eustorgio II traveled the remains to Milan.
The Portinari Chapel inside the Basilica is a striking example
of Renaissance art featuring frescoes and marble sepulcher.
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