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Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro: A Renaissance Illusion

Discover a masterpiece of Renaissance art in Milan, where architectural illusion and historical significance blend seamlessly.

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The Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro is a church in Milan known for its stunning Renaissance architecture and, most notably, its trompe-l'œil apse designed by Donato Bramante. The church incorporates an earlier medieval shrine to Saint Satyrus.

A brief summary to Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro

  • Via Torino, Milan, Metropolitan City of Milan, 20123, IT
  • Monday 7:30 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 7:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 7:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 7:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 7:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 3:30 pm-7 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and fully appreciate the trompe-l'œil apse.
  • Take a close look at the faux choir from different angles to fully appreciate the optical illusion created by Bramante.
  • Don't miss the chapel of San Satiro at the rear of the church, showcasing unique architectural features and terracotta adornments.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Duomo, walk north along Via Torino. The Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro will be on your right, about a 5-minute walk. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro (lines M1 or M3) to Duomo station. Exit the station and walk north along Via Torino. The church will be on your right, approximately a 5-minute walk from the metro station. A single ticket costs €2.20 and is valid for 90 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From the city center, a taxi ride to Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro will typically cost between €10 and €15 for a 5 to 10 km ride. Taxi fares in Milan start at €4.10 during the weekday. Keep in mind that fares may be higher at night or on public holidays.

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Discover more about Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro

Nestled on Via Torino in Milan, the Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro is a testament to Renaissance ingenuity and artistic illusion. The church, whose construction began in the late 15th century (1476-1482), incorporates the 9th-century shrine to Saint Satyrus. Commissioned by Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza, the church's design was entrusted to Donato Bramante, who faced the challenge of limited space. Bramante's genius is most evident in the church's faux apse, a masterpiece of trompe-l'œil. Due to spatial constraints, Bramante created an illusion of depth by constructing a false presbytery in painted stucco. This creates the impression of a much larger environment, with visitors often marveling at the seemingly expansive space behind the altar. The church has three naves, with the central one featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling and a hemispheric dome at the transept. The facade wasn't completed until 1872, designed by Giuseppe Vandoni, based on the original plans by Amadeo. Inside, the octagonal sacristy, while altered in the 19th century, retains its Bramantesque character. The church also safeguards a miraculous icon: a votive painting of the "Madonna with Child".

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