Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore, Milan, Italy

Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore was established in the 5th century. Originally dedicated to both Saint Zechariah and Saint Stephen, it was later dedicated to Saint Stephen only. Throughout its history, has undergone several reconstructions, expansion and restoration.

The original church building was built around the year 417 on the initiative of the future bishop Martinianus. It was destroyed by fire in 1070 and it was rebuilt in romanesque style in 1075.

On 26 December 1476 it was the site of the assassination of Duke Galeazzo Maria Sforza, who had come to the basilica for the celebration of the patron saint. On 30 September 1571 in Santo Stefano was baptized the painter Michelangelo Merisi, better known as Caravaggio.

Since 1594 the church underwent a series of interventions, including enlargement of the apse and of the main altar in the early 17th century.

The church preserved the bodies of saints Martinianus, Ausanus and Mansuetus, archbishops of Milan, in 1988 translated to the Milan Cathedral. St. Charles Borromeo also translated here the bodies of saints Leo, Arsazius, Marinus, Mammes and Agapetus.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

Nikolett Ábel (2 months ago)
Beautiful church, it has some spots that needs to be done, but you can look through those and just be amazed that building by itself.

Rider On Foot (12 months ago)
The Basilica of Santo Stefano Maggiore is an ancient church in Milan. Initially dedicated to the prophet San Zaccaria, it was then dedicated to Saint Stephen in the 10th century. In its history it has undergone numerous reconstruction, expansion and restoration interventions. It is also called Santo Stefano in Brolo (from the historical name of the area) or Santo Stefano alla Porta (in reference to the poster of Santo Stefano, which no longer exists).

Maria Ngo (2 years ago)
A very big and beautifully designed church with beautiful stained glass windows and paintings hung on chains along both sides of the nave as well as ornately decorated ceiling.

Kristýna Vacardová (2 years ago)
It's a fine church, but don't expect anything breathtaking. Needs to be restored. If you don't have enough time, it's probably okay to miss this one.

Aisha Ali (2 years ago)
Amazing so gothic and authentic I was shocked to see this church I’ve never seen anything like it so unique and a must go !!

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Finest Norman castles in Italy

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historic Site of the week

Argos Theater