Although Milan is packed with events celebrating all things contemporary, it still continues to amaze those visiting it with thousands of ancient, awe-inspiring places boasting a wealth of treasures. One such example is San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, an early Christian church, totally rebuilt during Renaissance times. Due to its sumptuous interiors rich in gold and frescoes from the school of Leonardo, it has been dubbed the ‘Sistine Chapel of Milan’.
The place is divided in two: the church itself and the monastery, that used to be stricktly reserved to nuns only and is called the Hall of the Nuns.
The entrance is from the Church. Eight chapels, distributed on both sides, are mostly painted by the Luinis, both father Bernardino and his three sons as well as the other masters.
Hall of the Nuns is the real jewel where the works of those great XVI cen. Masters astonish in succession.
The best way to get acquainted to this magnificent images, would be with a guided tour.
For those who are around Milano in spring, try not to miss the Magnolias in flower in the nearby cloister garden, entrance of the Archeological Museum.
Free admission. Regular opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm, closed on Monday. For guided visits, groups of 10-25 people should book 15 days in advance (Aster: T: +39 02 4041175). Volunteers from Touring Club Italy welcome visitors from Tue-Sun from 9am-7.30pm, Thu from 9am-10.30pm. 
Located within what remains of a former Benedictine Monastero Maggiore, hence the name
Corso Magenta, 13 (corner of Via Bernardino Luini)
M1-M2 (red and green lines) Cadorna
Tram lines: 16, 27
Bus lines: NM1, 19, 50, 59
Photo Credits: Egiudici