Religion is an important part of Italian culture, so it’s no surprise that some of the most beautiful and iconic buildings in Milan are churches. Even if you aren’t a Roman Catholic, or any kind of Christian, they’re still worth a visit to admire the architecture and interior.
Milan Cathedral
The Milan Cathedral, also known as Duomo di Milano in Italian, is the cathedral church of Milan and the seat of the Archbishop of Milan. Dedicated to the Nativity of St Mary, it is the largest church in Italy, fifth largest in the world, and took almost 600 years to completely finish construction, from 1386 to 1965.
Given its old age, the Duomo is guarded and periodically restored by the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano, who also operate the Duomo Museum, its Archive and Library, and other parts of the cathedral. While you can simply walk into the Duomo for a visit, you could also opt for a guided tour around the cathedral and its surrounds, led by experienced personnel who’ll be able to tell you everything about this historic monument.
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent in Milan, and is also the home to the mural of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, which is in the convent’s refectory. Built in both the Gothic and Renaissance styles, the church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, frequently receiving visitors from all around the world.
Much of the original building was destroyed in an aerial bombing during World War II, except for a few walls, such as the one with The Last Supper. And though it has now been restored and preserved, given its delicate condition from age and the war, visitors to the fresco are tightly controlled - only 25 visitors are allowed every 15 minutes, so get ready for a long wait if you aren’t early enough, but it is definitely worth a visit not only to see the historic painting, but also to admire the church’s architecture, such as the nave and vaulted ceilings.
Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore
Located within Milan’s ring of canals, the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore is the oldest church in Milan. Originally built in Roman times, the church had been the largest centrally-planned building in the Western world when it was first built.
Subsequently, the church went through several reconstructions over the centuries, a fact that is reflected in the various architectural influences of the building, from parts of the original 4th Century Roman architecture, to the Renaissance style and more. The interior of the church is a similar architectural marvel, decked out in marble and decorated with beautiful mosaic. Whether you come here for a casual visit or you choose to attend a service, you’re sure to be treated to a feast for the eyes.
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
Initially named Basilica Martyrum for the numerous martyrs of Roman persecutions buried in the area, the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is one of the most ancient churches in Milan, having been built by St. Ambrose in the late 4th Century, and partially reconstructed in its current Romanesque style in the 12th Century.
Right in the centre of the city, the basilica is like a beacon with its two distinctive bell towers - the shorter of the towers is known as dei Monaci, Italian for “of the Monks”, and the taller of the towers is known as Kanonicza. And right next to the basilica is a white marble column with two holes, known as the Devil’s column. According to legend, the two holes are the result of the Devil hitting the column with his horns out of frustration of being unable to seduce St. Ambrose into temptation. Like most other churches in Milan, the basilica is open to both visitors and churchgoers, with Holy Mass being conducted several times throughout the day.
Bonus: Sforza Castle
Sforza Castle, or Castello Sforzesco in Italian, it is one of Europe’s largest citadels, and was the home of the Sforza family, one of the ruling families of the Italian Renaissance. Though it is not a church, the castle is no less historical and beautiful, and today, it houses several of the city’s museums and art collections.
Known simply as Il Castello, “the Castle”, to the locals, Sforza Castle is a massive complex, bounded by the Torre del Filarete. Grand and immense, the castle is full of history, its own as a former citadel, later barracks for the Italian army and now cultural centre, as well as that of the city and Italy itself. It’s absolutely possible to spend days wandering through the citadel, going from museum to museum, archives to libraries, and everywhere in between.
