Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa (Church of Bones), Milan

Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa (Church of Bones), Milan (must see)

The small church of San Bernardino alle Ossa is famous for its unique decoration, which includes human skulls and bones; a fascinating example of how death and religion have been intertwined throughout history.

The church has origins dating back to the 13th century, when its ossuary served as the final resting place for the victims of the plague from the nearby San Barnaba hospital. It was reconstructed in rococo style in 1679 after its collapse due to the fallen bell tower of the neighboring Santo Stefano church. The walls of the reconstructed ossuary, adorned with a frescoed vault depicting the "Triumph of Souls among Flying Angels," are now adorned with an eerie display of human bones, including the skulls of executed prisoners.

The chapel-Ossuary left such an impression on King John V of Portugal that in 1738 he had an exact replica made in Évora, near Lisbon.
All in all, a must-see destination for anyone interested in macabre art and architecture.

Why You Should Visit:
Not many churches out there are decorated with thousands of human bones – in Rococo style, at that!
For those with a macabre side or an interest in medieval Christianity, you have to see this place in the middle of urban Milan.

Tip:
You can take photos in here but are not allowed to use flash... or talk.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Milan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa (Church of Bones) on Map

Sight Name: Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa (Church of Bones)
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Religious

Walking Tours in Milan, Italy

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One of the notable places where you can explore the maestro's work is the Ambrosian Library (Biblioteca Ambrosiana), which houses a vast collection of his drawings and...  view more

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