We went back to this church every day we were in Milan. Seeing is almost believing! We still cannot figure out how Bramante figured out the dimensions. This is a must see.
This church was very impressive and beautiful. The illusion is also fascinating. It is definitely worth stopping by and taking a look! There was also some staff there when we visited who were helpful. The woman who talked to us did not speak English, but she spoke French and we managed to communicate a bit with my broken French. She later on brought over to us a brochure that was in English, which we greatly appreciated.
The challenge with Milan is that after seeing the Duomo every church you have seen before or after that gets overshadowed by the Duomo! But having said that this church is impressive especially when it looks so simple and small from outside. The frescoes and chapels inside are brilliant! The entry and pictures are completely free!!
This small church is barely two blocks from the Duomo and is one of the "must see" places in Milan -- especially if you are an art history buff. The architectural trompe l'oeil behind the altar is a wonder and masterpiece. Not only is so much depth conveyed in space less than one meter, but more amazingly, it looks authentic over a wide angle -- whether viewed from the far right or the far left. Amazing. (Apparently, this was made necessary by the fact that the church had to be built on a rather small plan, with roads hemming in the space available for the church. But in 1482, this also prefigures the coming of the Baroque style where art and presentation were constructed to impress as if one was in a theater).Bramante was one of the architects although it is not certain whether he was the designer of the illusion. But it is a milestone in the history of architecture.
The trompe l'oeil is amazing and works from whichever angle. We spent a week in Milan and thought this the single most impressive bit of architecture.
A nice Italian lady told me about her favorite places in Milan and this was second on her list (after San Maurizio). The exterior is not very impressive, but the inside is very interesting, especially considering that it's not that big a church. It has a nice ceiling, beautiful frescoes and lovely architectural details.
We accidentally wandered into this church while looking for another, but were not disappointed! It is a stunning trompe l'oeil and a great place to stop in for a bit to see some history and escape the crowds. We ended up spending almost an hour here just looking at the altar from all different angles. Brilliant!
You should really pay attention to find this little Church, but it's so nice. In particular, the roof gives the idea of the care and the art that are embedded. A real little, hidden treasure
What a little jewel. Hidden off the main street it opens like a jewel. If you're reading this you already know about the deceptive tromp l'oeil, but - like all illusions - you know you have to see it.A detour is worth it.The church entrance is 6 minutes from the main entrance to the Duomo so no reason not to!
Seriously, Italy has so many gems.. the problem is that It neglects them immensely. The XV Century San Satiro church is such a beauty stuck behind some fancy shops.The highlight is definitely the marvellous Bramante's painted perspective: the gorgeous golden painting of the apse rapresents the first trompe l'oil in history of art. Chapeau.