Step beyond the bustling streets of Milan into a sanctuary of silence and splendor. Often called the city’s “Sistine Chapel,” San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is a breathtaking, lesser-known masterpiece where Renaissance art and sacred space intertwine in perfect harmony. This tour invites you into one of Milan’s most exquisite treasures—a church that astonishes not with grandeur, but with beauty that unfolds like a secret!
From the moment you step inside, the walls of San Maurizio bloom with color. Every surface is adorned with vivid frescoes—saints, angels, prophets, and stories from scripture—all brought to life with delicate detail and radiant light. The church is divided into two parts: the main public sanctuary and the more secluded cloistered chapel, once reserved for the Benedictine nuns who lived behind its walls.
Here, the brilliance of Bernardino Luini, one of Leonardo da Vinci’s most gifted followers, takes center stage. His frescoes capture not only the religious devotion of the time, but also the grace and humanity of each figure. The ceiling becomes a canopy of stars, while golden halos and flowing robes shimmer softly in the filtered light.
With special access, the tour continues into the former nuns’ choir, a more intimate space hidden behind a carved wooden screen. Here, Luini’s frescoes reach a quiet crescendo—gentle Madonnas, serene martyrs, and scenes from the life of Saint Catherine unfold across the walls like a painted prayer.
This part of the church was never meant for public eyes, and standing within it feels like stepping into a private world—a place of stillness, devotion, and quiet wonder!
Built on the foundations of an ancient Roman site and once part of Milan’s most important female monastery, San Maurizio carries centuries of spiritual and artistic heritage. As your guide reveals the stories behind each chapel and brushstroke, you’ll begin to see not just a church, but a reflection of Renaissance Milan at its most refined and contemplative.
Unlike the grand cathedrals and crowded galleries, San Maurizio offers a more personal encounter with beauty—quiet, moving, and deeply human. This tour is a celebration of the hidden, the sacred, and the sublime!
Tucked just off the beaten path, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is not merely a stop on a tour—it is a revelation. A place where the soul of Milan glows quietly in gold and color, waiting to be discovered.
This tour involves walking and standing for extended periods. While most routes are accessible, some areas may include stairs or uneven surfaces. If you have mobility concerns, please let us know at the time of booking, and we will provide guidance on suitability and alternatives.
The exact meeting point for this tour will be confirmed upon booking. Locations may vary depending on tour logistics, but all details, including directions and arrival time, will be provided in your confirmation email.
The duration of this tour may vary slightly based on the itinerary and selected experience. Estimated tour length will be provided at the time of booking, and final details will be communicated in your confirmation.
