San Sebastiano, Mannerist church in central Milan, Italy
San Sebastiano is a Mannerist church building with a circular floor plan and a prominent dome rising above its octagonal interior space. The exterior features decorative spandrels and blind windows that emphasize its geometric composition.
Construction began in 1576 following a major plague outbreak that devastated the city. The architect Pellegrino Tibaldi based the design on the ancient Roman Pantheon as a model for the structure.
The interior displays religious artwork from the Counter-Reformation period, with compositions that reflect the city's artistic identity during the late Renaissance.
The building is centrally located and open regularly for worship and visits throughout the week. Access during religious services may be limited, so plan your visit around quieter times if you prefer to observe the architecture.
The central dome design stands apart from typical Counter-Reformation churches, which usually favored elongated floor plans. This round form reflects Milan's late Renaissance boldness in architectural experimentation.
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