Chiesa del Santissimo Corpo di Cristo

The Chiesa del Santissimo Corpo di Cristo is a church with a square floor plan, flanked by fluted sandstone pilasters that support an octagonal drum crowned by a hemispherical dome. A Lombard-style bell tower with round arches on all four sides completes the building's distinctive structure.

Built between 1437 and 1444, this church replaced a 13th-century oratory dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre. It stands as the first building outside Tuscany to carry the architectural influence of Brunelleschi's revolutionary designs.

Inside, you will find colored terracotta statues of the Four Doctors of the Western Church and a painting from the 15th century by Galdino da Varese. These artistic works give the space a contemplative feeling that reflects its role as a place of worship and reflection.

The church is located in the heart of Castiglione Olona and is easily walkable from the town center, with interior access typically available for visitors. It is best to check opening hours ahead of time and wear respectful clothing when visiting a sacred space.

The dome was built using a herringbone pattern technique, demonstrating how skilled early Renaissance builders could master complex structural methods. This approach was groundbreaking for its time and remains a testament to innovative construction thinking.