- Art & Culture
- Religious Tourism
The Church of St. Alexander: a Baroque jewel
A few steps away from the Duomo, somewhat hidden, reached from some of the cross streets of Via Mazzini or Via Torino, or still at the exit of the Missori subway station, is the charming Piazza di Sant'Alessandro with its 17th-century church of the same name.
It is a corner of extraordinary beauty, magically striking and forcing the passerby or tourist to stop and enjoy this totally unexpected Milanese glimpse. It does not feel like being in Milan, it feels like going back in time or being in some other location.
In the morning there is a lively bustle of university students and professionals, at sunset the square quiets down becoming even more beautiful! On fine evenings you may happen to find a pianist in the center of the square. It is a lovely place and ideal for stopping for an aperitif.
The name of the square is the same as the imposing church of the same name located there, Sant'Alessandro in Zebedei. The Basilica di Sant'Alessandro has ancient origins dating back to 1590 at the behest of the Barnabites, and in 1602 Cardinal Federigo Borromeo laid the foundation stone. The project, entrusted to Lorenzo Binago, led to the construction of the present church in Baroque style.
Interesting is the particular name given to the church: Zebedia, was in fact the name of the judge of the Roman prisons that stood on the site of the present church. The Baroque-style church has many frescoes inside that embellish it.
Already from the outside one notices the size of the church, but as soon as one enters, its vastness stands out; this is also given by the darkness that reigns inside, given the few and small windows. Among the different paintings of interest inside are G.B. Ossona's Martyrdom of St. Pancrazio and a series of works by Camillo Procaccini, scattered in every corner of the church, such as the Assumption of Mary or the Nativity, and more works by Daniele Crespi such as the Adoration of the Magi.
The hours to visit it, on weekdays, are 7 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., while on holidays you can enter it from 9:30 a.m. to noon and 4:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This unusual glimpse of Milan with the church and its small square are definitely worth a visit.
(Ph Ig: @decocinaelaprendiz)
