San Nicolao, Baroque church in Milan, Italy
San Nicolao is a Baroque church in Milan featuring an oval dome decorated with detailed coffers and a facade with undulating curves. These curved walls shift and move with the play of natural light throughout the day, creating an illusion of constant motion.
The Spanish Trinitarian Order commissioned the church in the early 1630s, with architect Francesco Borromini starting construction in 1634. The project unfolded over several decades, reflecting the artistic vision of Milan's most important Baroque designer.
The interior displays white and gold elements at the main altar, while side chapels contain religious artworks showing Catholic practices and devotion throughout the space.
The church sits near Piazza San Fedele in central Milan and is reachable on foot from other historic sites in the area. Visitors should expect narrow streets and the building is best explored in morning or early afternoon hours to observe the changing light effects on the facade.
The oval shape of the dome symbolizes infinity within Baroque architectural principles and creates an unusual spatial perception for those inside. Many visitors notice that this oval form tricks the eye and makes the interior feel larger than it actually is.
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