Bones and mystery in the heart of Milan.
In the historic center of Milan, just steps from the Duomo, lies a surprising and disturbing place: the Sanctuary of San Bernardino alle Ossa. This 13th-century church houses an ossuary chapel where thousands of human bones decorate the walls in a dramatic and symbolic way.
The history of the sanctuary has medieval origins. Next to the ancient hospital of Santo Stefano, a cemetery for the deceased was built. When space began to run out, the bones were collected in a chapel, creating an ossuary that over time transformed into a true monument to memory.
The bones, collected from hospitals, prisons, and cemeteries, are carefully arranged in ornamental motifs along the walls. Skulls, femurs, and tibias form frames, columns, and decorations that frame the space with an effect as macabre as it is fascinating. At the center of the vault, an eighteenth-century fresco depicts the Triumph of Souls, adding an artistic touch to the space.
This space is not only an architectural curiosity, but also an invitation to reflect on the transience of life and spirituality. The exposed bones are not intended to frighten, but rather to remind us of the fragility of existence and the Christian hope of resurrection.
San Bernardino alle Ossa is now open to visitors and represents an unmissable stop for those who wish to discover an unusual and profound side of Milan. A place where art, faith, and history intertwine in a unique way, leaving an indelible impression on those who visit.
Have you ever been to this place in Milan?
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Photo taken with Canon EOS RP and lens Canon RF 24-50.
This is the official website of the sanctuary: sanbernardinoalleossa.it.
To see all the photos I took in the sanctuary click here:
Here is where the palace is located:
The church of San Bernardino alle Ossa is a church in Milan, located in Piazza Santo Stefano. Also referred to in the past as San Bernardino ai Morti, it is particularly known for its seventeenth-century ossuary chapel, whose walls are mostly covered with bones to form true baroque decorations.
Continue and learn more on Wikipedia
The Sanctuary of San Bernardino alle Ossa in Milan – Le sanctuaire de San Bernardino alle Ossa à Milan – El Santuario de San Bernardino alle Ossa en Milán – O Santuário de San Bernardino alle Ossa em Milão – Das Heiligtum San Bernardino alle Ossa in Mailand – Thánh địa San Bernardino alle Ossa ở Milan
The text of the post was written with the help of Copilot, a virtual assistant based on artificial intelligence.
References:
– https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiesa_di_San_Bernardino_alle_Ossa
– https://www.milanodavedere.it/chiese-basiliche/san-bernardino-alle-ossa/
– https://www.storieurbane.it/santuario-di-san-bernardino-alle-ossa-mistero-storia-e-devozione-a-milano/
