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Basilica of San Babila
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Show an other treasure of art and history in Milan:
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 Mostly represented styles: Romanesque - Neoromanesque
Together with the Basilica of San Calimero and the Basilica of Sant Eufemia, the Basilica of San Babila is one of the churches of Milan of ancient origin unfortunately radically transformed by recent interventions aimed at restoring a supposed original stylistic purity.
Built in the twelfth century, next to the oldeer and smaller Church of San Romano (not existing any more), it was initially comprehended three apses, the central one larger, three naves divided into three bays and was devoid of side chapels.
Early alterations occurred in the days of Gian Galeazzo Visconti, with in particular the addition of the sacristy.
Far more radical were the Baroque interventions performed by architect Aurelio Trezzi at the turn of 1500 and 1600, at the time of Gaspare Visconti. They led to the demolition of the Romanesque facade, in order to add a span, and also of the apses.
The Romanesque facade was replaced with a Baroque facade, visible in various prints.
With the transition to the nineteenth century, the church began to decline, so that the architect Cesa Bianchi stated that the building urgently needed a radical restoration.
After a study done to identify the still original parts, new radicals modification works started, this time in line with the at that time prevailing ideology of "architectural purism". Consistent with this approach, the Baroque facade was demolished and in its place a neo-Romanesque façade was built (1905). Furthermore the main altar and the painted decorations were added. In 1926 the bell tower, erected in 1820 to replace the one of 1575, was extended and modified in Romanesque Revival style, designed by Franco Bruni. Still later the baptistery was built (1937) and the chapel of the left aisle.
In practice, inside, the only original Romanesque parts are the capitals of the pillars of the nave.
If you are interested in a guided tour of this monument send an email!
Categories: Churches / Religious buildings
Corso Monforte, 1, 20122 Milano |
Further pictures of the Basilica of San Babila in the section Photography |