chiesa di santa maria presso san satiro

We incidentally pass by this church.From outside it looks very simple and not interesting.But inside it is different.It is worth to visit while you are in Duomo area.

You should really pay attention to find this little Church, but it's so nice. In particular, the roof gives the idea of the care and the art that are embedded. A real little, hidden treasure

We accidentally wandered into this church while looking for another, but were not disappointed! It is a stunning trompe l'oeil and a great place to stop in for a bit to see some history and escape the crowds. We ended up spending almost an hour here just looking at the altar from all different angles. Brilliant!

Seriously, Italy has so many gems.. the problem is that It neglects them immensely. The XV Century San Satiro church is such a beauty stuck behind some fancy shops.The highlight is definitely the marvellous Bramante's painted perspective: the gorgeous golden painting of the apse rapresents the first trompe l'oil in history of art. Chapeau.

This small church is barely two blocks from the Duomo and is one of the "must see" places in Milan -- especially if you are an art history buff. The architectural trompe l'oeil behind the altar is a wonder and masterpiece. Not only is so much depth conveyed in space less than one meter, but more amazingly, it looks authentic over a wide angle -- whether viewed from the far right or the far left. Amazing. (Apparently, this was made necessary by the fact that the church had to be built on a rather small plan, with roads hemming in the space available for the church. But in 1482, this also prefigures the coming of the Baroque style where art and presentation were constructed to impress as if one was in a theater).Bramante was one of the architects although it is not certain whether he was the designer of the illusion. But it is a milestone in the history of architecture.

This church was very impressive and beautiful. The illusion is also fascinating. It is definitely worth stopping by and taking a look! There was also some staff there when we visited who were helpful. The woman who talked to us did not speak English, but she spoke French and we managed to communicate a bit with my broken French. She later on brought over to us a brochure that was in English, which we greatly appreciated.

When friends come to visit Milano for the first time, we always show them (or suggest them to see) 5 places: the Duomo of course, then Castello Sforzesco and the churches of San Maurizio, San Satiro and Sant'Ambrogio. We should add the Cenacolo (Last Supper painting) from Leonardo, but it's very difficult to manage to see it, due to its complex reservation process... The impressive illusion of San Satiro is a peculiar kind of trompe l'oeil: indeed, it is not in two dimensions, but it does have some real depth. The depth however is less than one meter: much, much less than what you would think from a distance. After the trompe l'oeil, do not forget to see the "cupola": they say Bramante did it as a a small version of the San Pietro one.

What a little jewel. Hidden off the main street it opens like a jewel. If you're reading this you already know about the deceptive tromp l'oeil, but - like all illusions - you know you have to see it.A detour is worth it.The church entrance is 6 minutes from the main entrance to the Duomo so no reason not to!

This church is in Via Torino. Take care because it is not easily visible because in front of it there is a flower vendor. Not a wow factor church.

The challenge with Milan is that after seeing the Duomo every church you have seen before or after that gets overshadowed by the Duomo! But having said that this church is impressive especially when it looks so simple and small from outside. The frescoes and chapels inside are brilliant! The entry and pictures are completely free!!

We went back to this church every day we were in Milan. Seeing is almost believing! We still cannot figure out how Bramante figured out the dimensions. This is a must see.

Awesome church.Breathtaking frescos and even more brearhtaking the choir (basically another outstanding church) hidden behind the altar

The trompe l'oeil is amazing and works from whichever angle. We spent a week in Milan and thought this the single most impressive bit of architecture.

Close to Duomo square, it's one of the hidden jewels in Milan. The church is not particularly significant itself, but apse behind the altar is spectacular. One of the most incredible things I have ever seen.Bramante was a genius and he demonstrated it in this church. Super cool!

A nice Italian lady told me about her favorite places in Milan and this was second on her list (after San Maurizio). The exterior is not very impressive, but the inside is very interesting, especially considering that it's not that big a church. It has a nice ceiling, beautiful frescoes and lovely architectural details.