San Bernardino alle Ossa

The foundation of the church dates back to 1145, when a monastery was built on this site. However, the church itself, as we know it today, and the ossuary were created later. In 1269, a chapel was built next to the church to accommodate the bones from neighboring cemeteries that were overflowing due to epidemics and wars.

By the 17th century, it became clear that there was not enough space in the chapel, and it was decided to expand it, turning it into a full-fledged ossuary. It contains the remains of nobility members who commanded to be buried closer to the church – in the Middle Ages, it was believed that this would make it easier to enter paradise. These elements are located along the walls and ceiling of the ossuary, creating a unique and eerie atmosphere. The new chapel even has windows decorated with human bones. This was started in 1679, and the work was only finished in the mid-18th century.

From an architectural perspective, the church is an example of Baroque, although elements of the earlier constructed part belong to the Romanesque style. The church's interior and exterior decor is characterized by the traditional Baroque and Rococo ornateness, including rich decorations, frescoes, and sculptures.

The interior has an octagonal plan with Baroque style decor elements. Several chapels have preserved paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries.

The ossuary, located in a small room next to the church, is the main "attraction". The walls and ceilings are covered with hundreds of skulls and bones laid out in the Rococo style of the nineteenth century: skulls and bones alternate as a grim mosaic. The ceiling of the vault is adorned with a fresco by Sebastiano Ricci, "The Triumph of Souls in the Flight of Angels", depicting the ascension of souls to paradise.

This grim, yet at the same time mesmerizing, architectural element reminds us of the fragility of human life and the transience of existence.

The Church and Ossuary of San Bernardino alle Ossa remain an important religious and historical monument in Milan, attracting visitors from around the world with their unique atmosphere and beauty. They serve not only as a place of worship but also as a reminder of the city's past, its history, and culture.