Placed in the famous Corso Magenta, the church of San Maurizio Maggiore is a former convent that dates back to 1503 and used to host a community of Benedictine nuns. This is worth considering, because it could explain the structure of the building, which is divided into two parts: the public one, facing the street and open to the worshippers, and the ‘Chorus’, which used to be reserved to nuns only. 
As the convent was a place of seclusion, nuns could communicate and listen to the masses only through a grate on the frescoed wall, which served as division between the two areas. 
Apart from its history, the strong points of the convent are the beautiful decorations and the marvellous details of the entire building, literally from floor to ceiling!
Thanks to the efforts of the artist Bernardino Luini and his apprentices around the first half of the XVI century, we still can admire the incredible works of art that fill this sacred place. 
In the public entrance visitors are welcomed by stuccoes, frescoes and paintings, mainly religious ones, whilst the Chorus features decorations representing Saints and Martyrs, as well as more original ones, such as the story of Noah’s Ark. 
We will disclose no more, because the event ‘Open for you’ promoted by the Italian Touring Club allows free visits of the church. Volunteers will be glad to answer all your questions from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9.30 to 19.30.
So, if you happen to be around Corso Magenta, bear in mind that there is a real gem of art behind these walls, so beautiful that it has earned the nickname of “Milan Sistine Chapel”!

Additional information:

Corso Magenta, 15, 20123 Milano MI
Tue-Sun 9.30-19.30
Free entrance