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Basilica of San Vittore al Corpo
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Show an other treasure of art and history in Milan:
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 Mostly represented styles: Baroque
The magnificent Basilica of San Vittore al Corpo is another of the many treasures of art and history of Milan absolutely little known to the general public.
One reason probably lies in the fact that the facade is unfinished, and therefore does absolutely does not leave the slightest guess of the richness and beauty of the interiors.
The current basilica was built between 1560 and the end of the sixteenth century. The interiors of the church are characterized by the structural separation of the area of the transept and apse from the three naves in front of them. At the center of the transept there is a large dome supported by four large pillars. Below the east end there is the crypt, which also has three naves with cross vaults supported by Tuscan granite columns. The nave of the church is covered by a coffered barrel vault, adorned with depictions of saints whose relics should be kept inside the church, and the two aisles divided by pillars, with vaulted ceiling divided into elegant boxes. Arranged along the aisles there are twelve chapels, six on each side. All interiors are characterized by a rich stucco decoration, with frescoes dating from the late sixteenth and early seventeenth century.
The artists involved in the interior decoration of the basilica include Andrea Salmeggia, Gerolamo Quadrio, the Procaccinis, Giovanni Battista and Francesco Sala Lazana.
From the point of view of the aesthetic impact, one can distinguish three zones. The area of the main nave, well lit and characterized by rich decorations in number, but still simple and sober in their order and regularity. Then there is the area of the side aisles and the chapels, with extremely elaborate and luxurious decorations, both in form and color. Unfortunately, this area is very dark and the beauty of the decorations can largely only be intuited. Finally, there is the area of the dome and the apse, which is also richly decorated, but with a strong predominance of the color gold, broken only in the upper part of the dome from many blue parts, and well lit.
The current basilica was preceded in previous centuries by other buildings, starting from the times of St. Ambrose. The present basilica was initially associated with the adjacent Olivetan monastery, now home to the Museum of Science and Technology.
Pictures of the interiors of the bell tower on the page Visit of the bell tower of the Basilica of San Vittore
If you are interested in a guided tour of this monument send an email!
Categories: Churches / Religious buildings
Via San Vittore, 25, 20100 Milano |
Further pictures of the Basilica of San Vittore al Corpo in the section Photography |