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Chiesa di Santa Maria

Name: Chiesa di Santa Maria
Rating: 4.7

4.7 ·

Find Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro, a small church with a big trick. Look toward the altar to see a deep apse that is actually only a few centimetres thick.

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Full description

Santa Maria presso San Satiro is a small Renaissance-era church whose best-known feature is its optical illusion: the apse behind the altar looks deep and spacious but is actually very shallow, a perspective trick that gives the space a convincing three-dimensional look. The interior is ornate and gilded, and regular services still take place.

Reviewers note that it is missing from many guides and call it well worth finding. Entry is free and 15 minutes is plenty, making it an easy detour in the city centre.

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Address

Via Torino, 20123 Milano MI, Italy · Milano

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Hours

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Booking

Walk-in

Duration

15 min

Best time

morning, lunchtime, afternoon or early evening

Intensity

Easy pace

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Good to know

Stand facing the altar to see the illusion, then move to the side to understand how shallow the apse is
check hours, as Saturday opens only in the afternoon
combine with a walk to the nearby Duomo.

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Reviews

Beautiful little church with outstanding details to get a 3D-Look

Dennis S.

2/5

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