
Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte (Church of St. Gotthard of Hildesheim), Milan
The Church of Saint Gotthard is a hidden gem of undeniable beauty, almost entirely concealed by Milan's Royal Palace ("Palazzo Reale"). Its external appearance was completely transformed during the Neoclassicist era when the entrance was moved to the south side.
The church's construction may have started as a small temple by the Torriani, but was completed by Azzone Visconti, with the help of architect Pecorari and painter Giotto. Visitors entering the church can admire the nave, which is preceded by a vestibule featuring an impressive fresco of the Giotto school.
One should also take a moment to appreciate the slender, octagonal bell tower, which offers a striking contrast between its red brick and marble materials. Home to the first public clock in Milan and likely in Italy as well, it has retained its original structure since its construction in 1330. The clock itself was one of the earliest to strike the hours and was immensely popular. In 1335, Galvano Fiamma described it as "a wonderful clock with a huge clapper that strikes a bell 24 times a day, making it of great use to people of every social class". The clock and its automatic mechanism were so impressive that the surrounding area became known as the "Street of the Hours" ("Contrada delle Ore").
At the top of the bell tower, the Archangel Saint Michael overlooks the area and appears to beckon the many tourists who visit Piazza del Duomo to admire his splendor as well.
Opening Hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu-Sun: 10am-6pm
The church's construction may have started as a small temple by the Torriani, but was completed by Azzone Visconti, with the help of architect Pecorari and painter Giotto. Visitors entering the church can admire the nave, which is preceded by a vestibule featuring an impressive fresco of the Giotto school.
One should also take a moment to appreciate the slender, octagonal bell tower, which offers a striking contrast between its red brick and marble materials. Home to the first public clock in Milan and likely in Italy as well, it has retained its original structure since its construction in 1330. The clock itself was one of the earliest to strike the hours and was immensely popular. In 1335, Galvano Fiamma described it as "a wonderful clock with a huge clapper that strikes a bell 24 times a day, making it of great use to people of every social class". The clock and its automatic mechanism were so impressive that the surrounding area became known as the "Street of the Hours" ("Contrada delle Ore").
At the top of the bell tower, the Archangel Saint Michael overlooks the area and appears to beckon the many tourists who visit Piazza del Duomo to admire his splendor as well.
Opening Hours:
Mon, Tue, Thu-Sun: 10am-6pm
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 iTunes 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.
Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte (Church of St. Gotthard of Hildesheim) on Map
Sight Name: Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte (Church of St. Gotthard of Hildesheim)
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Milan, Italy
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