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Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa: Milan's Chilling Bone Chapel

Discover Milan's macabre masterpiece: the Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa, a chilling chapel adorned with human bones and rich history.

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The Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa, or the Milan Bone Chapel, is a small church and ossuary in Milan, Italy, famous for its interior walls decorated with human skulls and bones. Dating back to the 13th century, the chapel serves as a haunting reminder of mortality, drawing visitors with its macabre beauty and historical significance.

A brief summary to Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa

  • Monday 8 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-6 pm
  • Friday 8 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-12 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the week to avoid crowds, as the chapel is a popular attraction.
  • Remember to dress respectfully, as this is a religious site. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Take your time to appreciate the intricate details of the bone decorations and the overall atmosphere of the chapel.
  • Combine your visit with a stop at the adjacent Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro to admire Renaissance architecture.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Duomo, walk along Via Verziere for about 500 meters. The Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa will be on your right, next to the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro. This is a straightforward and easily walkable route.

  • Public Transport

    Take the Metro lines M1 or M3 to the Duomo station. From there, follow the walking directions. Alternatively, take tram lines 12, 23, or 27 to the Piazza Santo Stefano stop, which is directly in front of the church. A single metro or tram ticket costs €2.20.

  • Taxi/Ride-sharing

    Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available throughout Milan. A short taxi ride from the city center (e.g., Duomo area) to Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa will typically cost between €8-€12, depending on traffic.

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Discover more about Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa

Nestled near the bustling Duomo, the Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa offers a chilling yet captivating experience. This unique chapel is adorned with the bones of thousands, creating intricate patterns and designs that cover the walls, ceilings, and pillars. Originally built in the 13th century as an ossuary to house remains from an overcrowded cemetery, the chapel was later renovated in the 17th century, transforming it into the spectacle it is today. The bones, believed to number around 3,000, are arranged with somber artistry, serving as a memento mori – a reminder of the fleeting nature of life. The ceiling features a fresco, Triumph of Souls in a Flight of Angels, painted in 1695 by Sebastiano Ricci, providing a contrasting vision of hope and salvation amidst the ossuary's stark display. The chapel's somber atmosphere and unique decorations offer a space for reflection on life, death, and the passage of time. Located next to the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro, a remarkable example of Renaissance architecture, San Bernardino alle Ossa is easily accessible and provides a compelling glimpse into Milan's history and cultural traditions.

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