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:

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Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

Yotam Avital (17 months ago)
It's interesting, should take about 20 minutes

Lou Sillano (18 months ago)
Grateful by Faith

isa santambrogio (19 months ago)
Community strangers' from Filipinos and Latino American

Kate Ford (2 years ago)
This is a beautiful church and well worth a visit

Ilias Azagagh (3 years ago)
Definitely worth a visit to this Philippine church if you're in the neighborhood. I actually went there during Mass and was the only non-philippine person around. But they were very nice about it and included me in their rituals. After Mass (only on Sundays I've read) there are Philippine people selling food outside the church which is also really nice. Definitely try it if you have the chance.

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Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore

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