This harmonious church with its robust square belfry are all that remain of this vast complex founded around 1170 near to Viboldone along the via Emilia by the Order of the Milanese Humble.
The Umiliati order, dissolved in 1571 was succeeded by the Olivetani until 1777 and the complex was abandoned until the post-war period when Benedictine nuns settled here in the new convent building designed by Luigi Caccia Dominioni.
The church, with its three naves and five spans covered with cross-vaults, is a typical example of gothic-Lombardian style. On the apse, we find the rectangular 14th century belfry whilst on the brick façade and the slender tripartitions we see a combination of Roman and Gothic characteristics.
Inside would once have been completely covered in frescoes and many do still remain today, making this one of the most interesting places to visit around Milan. In fact many famous 14th century artists have worked here such as Michelino dia Besozzo, Giusto de Menabuoi and one of Giotto's disciples, an anonymous artist from Florence. This all goes to make this small monastical church a real testimony to 14th century culture.
Milan