Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Monache, Renaissance church in central Milan, Italy.
San Bernardino alle Monache is a church on Via Lanzone featuring red brick walls and Renaissance-period design from the 15th century. The building has a nave with side chapels and an altar area, with painted decorations covering the interior surfaces.
Construction started in 1401 under architect Pietro Antonio Solari as part of a convent dedicated to Saint Bernard. In 1798, Napoleonic laws seized the complex and demolished the original monastery, leaving only the church standing.
The church was part of a convent complex, and its interior holds frescoes from the 15th century, including works by Vincenzo Foppa. These paintings show how Renaissance artists decorated religious spaces and reveal the artistic practices of that period.
The church is located in central Milan at an easily accessible spot that can be explored on foot. It's helpful to check beforehand if there are any special conditions or access requirements, as churches sometimes close for services.
The church was originally part of a larger monastery complex, but after destruction by Napoleonic forces, it now stands alone. This survival makes it a rare example of how medieval religious spaces were separated from their supporting structures during modern times.
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