Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro
Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro
4.5
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM
About
Just south of the world-famous Duomo in Milan, this historic church was built in the 9th century. More commonly known as “San Satiro,” it houses Byzantine frescoes and other works of art.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Centro Storico
The pulsating core of Milan is in Centro. Duomo Square is enclosed by the gothic cathedral, the historic icon of Milan. However, shopping is what draws most crowds to this area. The classy and versatile Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with luxury boutiques and high quality restaurants will turn any shopping or lunch expedition into a royal experience. Head to the rooftop of the flagship La Rinascente to enjoy the view of the animated square with a panorama of the Duomo. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the street for high-end shopping. Brands of all kinds and street artists attract the attention of all visitors; while at Via Santa Radegonda 16, Luini Panzerotti is a much appreciated street food shop providing unimaginable culinary experiences. If shopping takes its toll on you, consider visiting Castello Sforzesco, a 15th century castle housing several museums. Those looking to relax can go to Parco Sempione, where nature provides respite from the energy of this dynamic and international city.
How to get there
- Duomo • 2 min walk
- Missori • 4 min walk
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7,574 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,069 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,825 reviews
Excellent
1,308
Very good
450
Average
51
Poor
5
Terrible
11
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fi_decorso
Milan, Italy68,574 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
This morning while I was walking along Via Mazzini I suddenly diverted to the ancient church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro to visit its stupendous interior. In fact, when I'm in the area it happens quite often that I'm struck by the desire to see this authentic wonder again, which I consider among the most beautiful and interesting things to see in Milan.
Every time, as happened today too, it is inevitable that I stop for a long time to admire the extraordinary fake apse that Donato Bramante created in less than a meter of depth, thus creating an unparalleled masterpiece of perspective illusionism. On the main altar stands the Madonna and Child, a thirteenth-century votive fresco which, according to tradition, shed blood after being stabbed by a drunkard, a certain Massanzio da Vigonzone. The harmonious baptistery, also known as the sacristy, with an octagonal plan and dome is by Bramante himself. At the end of the left transept is the chapel of the Pietà or sacellum of San Satiro, or what was the basilica of Ansperto, dating back to before the year 879. Here too one is left speechless in the presence of a work of art: the Lamentation, a sculptural group in colored terracotta created in 1482-83 by Agostino de' Fondutis, also the author of the cherubs and male busts that decorate the aforementioned baptistery. Naturally, there is no shortage of other magnificent works, including valuable paintings and refined decorations.
Although no longer as unknown and neglected as it once was (also thanks to the TCI volunteers) and despite its very central location a stone's throw from the Duomo, the church continues to be inexplicably little frequented.
Every time, as happened today too, it is inevitable that I stop for a long time to admire the extraordinary fake apse that Donato Bramante created in less than a meter of depth, thus creating an unparalleled masterpiece of perspective illusionism. On the main altar stands the Madonna and Child, a thirteenth-century votive fresco which, according to tradition, shed blood after being stabbed by a drunkard, a certain Massanzio da Vigonzone. The harmonious baptistery, also known as the sacristy, with an octagonal plan and dome is by Bramante himself. At the end of the left transept is the chapel of the Pietà or sacellum of San Satiro, or what was the basilica of Ansperto, dating back to before the year 879. Here too one is left speechless in the presence of a work of art: the Lamentation, a sculptural group in colored terracotta created in 1482-83 by Agostino de' Fondutis, also the author of the cherubs and male busts that decorate the aforementioned baptistery. Naturally, there is no shortage of other magnificent works, including valuable paintings and refined decorations.
Although no longer as unknown and neglected as it once was (also thanks to the TCI volunteers) and despite its very central location a stone's throw from the Duomo, the church continues to be inexplicably little frequented.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fi_decorso
Milan, Italy68,574 contributions
Apr 2024 • Solo
Escaping from Piazza del Duomo, "armored" for the G7 Transport, I paid a quick visit to this precious jewel, seeing for the umpteenth time, but with unchanged enchantment, the astonishing perspective of Bramante and the other treasures kept inside the church. This time, however, I lingered for a long time outside the church to observe the two oldest testimonies, both dating back to the fruitful era of Bishop Ansperto (868-881): the small apse, known as the Cappella della Pietà, and the magnificent bell tower , a fine example of pure Romanesque-Lombard style as well as the oldest bell tower in the city together with that of the Monks in the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio.
The rear part of the church is very interesting and therefore, as I suggested in the past, it is in any case worth a visit, something which, to my amazement, I don't see anyone doing.
The rear part of the church is very interesting and therefore, as I suggested in the past, it is in any case worth a visit, something which, to my amazement, I don't see anyone doing.
Written 11 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Massimiliano P
Novara, Italy42,521 contributions
Jun 2024 • Solo
The fifteenth-century church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro is located a stone's throw from Piazza del Duomo, with access from Via Torino, but in a rather hidden position. It is a church that is absolutely worth a visit for the many artistic works that it houses inside, including the Sacello di San Satiro, where you can see traces of ancient frescoes and a Pietà of the sixteenth century, but especially the fake choir by Bramante. The latter, built almost out of necessity, given the impossibility of completing the building with the upper arm of a church that in the projects had to have a cross plan, is a masterpiece of perspective painting that totally deceives the eye of the visitor who only approaching the altar discovers its real depth. Free admission, definitely suggested visit.
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Written 11 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fabrylamas
Province of Turin, Italy3,693 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Hidden between Via Torino and Via Speronari is this church, one of the most fascinating religious buildings in Milan..
The building underwent a radical transformation at the end of the fifteenth century with the intention of building a church that would house an icon considered miraculous and still existing today. The works were entrusted to the architect Donato Bramante, who exploited the nave and the transept, but due to lack of space he found a solution for which this church is famous today: a fake illusionistic stucco architecture that gives the optical impression of depth despite measuring just under a meter.
A little gem of the city.
The building underwent a radical transformation at the end of the fifteenth century with the intention of building a church that would house an icon considered miraculous and still existing today. The works were entrusted to the architect Donato Bramante, who exploited the nave and the transept, but due to lack of space he found a solution for which this church is famous today: a fake illusionistic stucco architecture that gives the optical impression of depth despite measuring just under a meter.
A little gem of the city.
Written 15 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MFaro
Italy2,684 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Beautiful though almost hidden, church in the central Via Torino a few steps from Milan Cathedral. The church is of the fifteenth century, although the original core is of older dating, the interiors excel for their gilded and richness of detail. Recommendation definitely the visit.
Automatically translated
Written 13 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GAage
Viby J, Denmark6,373 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
The church is absolutely fantastically decorated inside. It has a false choir that is a masterpiece of perspective construction. It just has to be seen. The chapel of San Satiro has a fine terracotta group with the dying Christ. If you are in Milan, the church is worth a visit. It is located 5 minutes from the Cathedral.
Written 7 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mirlou1326
Toulouse, France386 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
I give 5 stars because it's next to the Duomo, the visit takes 10 minutes and it's stunning but honestly, it has nothing to do with the fabulous San Maurizio church (the most beautiful of all).
The Santa Maria presso San satiro church is worth a look. You have to observe it straight ahead, from the entrance. The effect of depth is real, the genius of Donato Bramante. And then you have to approach the altar to realize the shallow depth (1 meter). There are a few other things to look out for but this is the prospect that excited me the most. Very innovative at the end of the 15th century.
The Santa Maria presso San satiro church is worth a look. You have to observe it straight ahead, from the entrance. The effect of depth is real, the genius of Donato Bramante. And then you have to approach the altar to realize the shallow depth (1 meter). There are a few other things to look out for but this is the prospect that excited me the most. Very innovative at the end of the 15th century.
Written 3 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aswartzl
Marietta, GA112 contributions
May 2022
Finding the entrace was a little tricky as it's tucked into a small courtyard accessed by Via Torino. We couldn't get as close of a look as I'd have liked because there was a wedding in progress. It is a lovely small church and worth a visit.
Written 11 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gnirts
Milan, Italy1 contribution
A pretty, little church quite near the main church. Don't miss it because of its trompe l'oeuil by Donato Bramante (a renowned italian artist as Raffaello, or Leonardo da Vinci, or Michelangelo). When you go inside it seems to be a normal, medium church, but go stright on till the altar and notice the apse part...
Written 22 July 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SydneyPaul
Sydney, Australia219 contributions
Nov 2013 • Business
Often overlooked, Santa Maria presso San Satiro is worth the visit if only to see one of the masterpieces of illusory baroque art. The apse space was too small to do anything with, so the church commissioned Bramante to create an apse. The effect is dramatic. Standing at the back of the nave you "see" a full and deep apse. Go stand on either the north or south side of the altar and you'll see a depression of less than two metres! Don't miss the calvary scene to the left as you look towards the altar, and don't forget to read the explanatory notes next to the entrance of the chapel. And then stop for a moment of prayer or reflection and give thanks for the artistic genius of so many talented people.
Written 8 December 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Buongiorno, chiamando il numero di telefono non ho avuto risposta, vorrei sapere cosa fare per prenotare la visita
la domenica. grazie
Written 25 January 2019
Alla domenica gli orari sono i seguenti: 14.00 -17.30.
Non occorre prenotazione. Sul posto si possono trovare i volontari del Touring che illustrano la chiesa e le sue particolarità.
Written 25 January 2019
Quels sont les horaires d’ouverture en août?
Merci
Written 23 August 2018
Lalla46
Milan, Italy
Trop tard, desolée! L'église est toujour ouverte pas seulment pour les services religieux . Voilà les horaires:
Orari: da lunedì a venerdì (lundi jusqu'à vendredi) 7:30 - 12:00 e 15 - 18:30.
Sabato (samedi) 15:30 - 19:00 e domenica (dimanche) 8:30 - 12:30 e 15:30 - 19:00
Avec le metrò MM1 e MM3 fermata Duomo. Avec le Tram: 2 - 3 - 4 - 12 - 14 - 19 - 20 - 24 – 27 fermata Via Orefici
Ingresso Gratuito (entrée gratuite)
Tel 02.874683
Written 2 October 2018
Laura C
Rome, Italy
Bisogna coprirsi per entrare in chiesa? Danno loro un telo in caso?
Written 8 July 2018
non mi risulta vi siano controlli particolari, di certo non forniscono veli, credo che sia sufficiente un minimo decoro...
Written 8 July 2018
We will be in Milan on Sunday 5/21 and would like to attend mass at Santa Maria presso San Satiro. Can you give me any information about times of masses on Sunday mornings?
Thank you. Gail Sabatino
Written 23 April 2017
Hi Gail, in this Church the mess is celebrared in Sundays sta 11.00 am
Written 24 April 2017
Sapete quali sono gli orari di apertura? Quanto dura una visita? Vorrei provare ad andare durante la pausa pranzo... Grazie :-)
Written 14 February 2017
Non conosciamo gli orari, ma vale la pena vedere questa piccola chicca e in più ci sono dei volontari all'interno a cui rivolgersi.
Written 16 February 2017
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