San Paolo Converso, Former baroque church in central Milan, Italy
San Paolo Converso is a former church with baroque architecture in central Milan, built with brick construction. The interior features a single nave with a barrel-vaulted ceiling and was originally divided by a wall into two separate areas: one for public worship and one for nuns.
Construction began in 1549 under the patronage of Countess Ludovica Torelli, who sold her fiefdom to fund this church and monastery for the Angelical nuns. The building underwent transformations after its consecration and was later repurposed before becoming a venue for contemporary art.
The interior walls display paintings by artists from Cremona, including works by Giulio, Antonio, and Vincenzo Campi depicting religious scenes. These artworks continue to shape the visual character of the space and speak to the artistic traditions of the period.
The space now operates as a contemporary art venue managed by Fondazione Converso, hosting exhibitions, events, and performances year-round. Visitors should check opening hours and current programs before visiting to make the most of their experience.
After its deconsecration in 1808, the building served multiple purposes: it became a warehouse and later a concert hall before assuming its current role as an art space. This diverse history of uses reflects the shifting importance of the site in the city.
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