San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

Overview

Often called Milan's Sistine Chapel, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is a small 16th-century church whose interior is completely covered in breathtaking Renaissance frescoes by Bernardino Luini and his pupils.

Highlights

• The Dividing Wall: A unique partition wall once separated public worship space from the enclosed nuns' choir, both sides fully frescoed.
• Luini's Frescoes: Luminous scenes of martyrdom and biblical narratives by Bernardino Luini, Leonardo da Vinci's most gifted follower.
• The Organ Loft: Frescoes depicting the life of Saint Catherine of Alexandria with vivid colors.

History

The church was built in 1503 as part of the most important Benedictine convent in Milan. The nuns of the adjacent Monastero Maggiore commissioned Luini to fresco every available surface. After Napoleon suppressed the convent, the building was nearly lost; restoration began in the early 2000s.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: One of Milan's greatest artistic treasures and completely free to visit.
• Adjacent Museum: The Civic Archaeological Museum occupies the former monastery and is worth combining.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.