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San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is probably the most beautifully decorated church in Milan. It was originally part of the most important female monastery in the city. The monastery has been converted into the Civic Archaeological Museum (Civico Museo Archeologico), but the church is still active and open to visitors.
History
The church was built as part of the Monastero Maggiore between 1503 and 1518. It was constructed as one church with two halls. A dividing wall separated worshippers in the Hall of the Faithful from the nuns who followed mass from behind a grate in the Hall of Nuns. The nuns were forbidden from crossing the wall until 1794.
Hall of the Faithful
The Hall of the Faithful is covered with some incredible 16th century frescoes. On the dividing wall are frescoes of the life of San Maurizio by Bernardino Luini. His son, Aurelio Luini, painted many of the chapels. Finally, on the altar is a fresco of the Adoration of the Magi painted by Antonio Campi in 1578.
Hall of Nuns
Behind the dividing wall is the Hall of Nuns, which is also completely covered in frescoes. There’s also an organ that dates back to 1554.
On the dividing wall are more frescoes by Bernardino Luini portraying saints and scenes from the Bible. The ceiling has a painting of God surrounded by angels. Above an arch to the rear of the hall is a painting of The Last Supper.
Behind the same arch are two chapels. In the chapel to the left is the most interesting fresco in the church, a lively depiction of Noah’s Ark. In the other chapel is a fresco of Adam and Eve. Both were painted by Aurelio Luini.
Palazzo Litta
Across the street from San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is another building of note, Palazzo Litta. It was built between 1642 and 1648 by architect Francesco Maria Richini for Count Bartolomeo Arese. The façade was finished in 1761.
Palazzo Litta held several important parties for Milan’s nobles and also hosted receptions for royals from all over Europe. The Litta Theatre (Teatro Litta), which was once the Arese family oratory, is the oldest in Milan dating back to 1671. The building is currently a cultural center.
