San Carlo al Lazzaretto, Milan, Renaissance church in Porta Venezia district, Milan, Italy
San Carlo al Lazzaretto is an octagonal church in the Porta Venezia district with eight walls lined by Ionic stone columns and Serlian windows on each side. A central dome topped with a lantern crowns the structure.
The church began construction in 1558 under Archbishop Carlo Borromeo's instructions as the focal point of the Lazaretto, Milan's hospital for plague patients. Work continued until 1592.
The church bears the name of Carlo Borromeo, the archbishop who directed Milan's plague relief efforts. Visitors today can still see the simple interior designed to accommodate both healthy worshippers and the afflicted.
Access is available daily, but visiting hours are limited and the interior may be less accessible during prayer times. It makes sense to visit in early morning hours to enjoy quieter moments.
The original design featured open arcades on all sides, allowing patients in surrounding porticos to attend services at the same time. This inventive layout blurred the lines between house of worship and healing space.
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