The Diarygame || Travel Diary: Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro–– | Sunday, August 25

Following his advice, I discovered the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro, a hidden gem in the heart of Milan. From the outside, this small church is almost unnoticed, surrounded by shops and the chaos of Via Torino. Nothing flashy, nothing that draws attention. But, upon entering, everything changes.

The first thing that immediately catches the eye is the altar, a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity. Due to the limited space available for construction, architect Donato Bramante created a work of art known as a trompe-l'œil. With only 90 centimeters of depth available, Bramante created the illusion of a deep and spacious apse using a deceptive pictorial perspective that makes the altar appear much deeper than it actually is. This is one of the earliest and most famous examples of this technique in Renaissance architecture Art-Facts Nexus Network Journal

Inside the church, beyond the stunning perspective illusion, there is also a touching depiction of the Crucifixion, adding another layer of sanctity and art to this small but powerful space of worship.

This fortuitous encounter with the elderly gentleman not only led me to discover a hidden corner of Milan but also reminded me of how rewarding it can be to help others. In this case, my day was brightened twice: first by the joy of helping someone and then by discovering this architectural treasure. Sometimes, it only takes a small gesture to discover something truly special.

For those interested in learning more, here are some useful references to better understand the Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro:

Tip: Trompe-l'œil is an art technique that creates the optical illusion of three-dimensionality on a two-dimensional surface. The term is French for "deceive the eye." This technique uses perspective, light, and shadow to make painted objects or architectural elements appear as if they are real and protruding from the surface or that limited spaces are deeper than they actually are. Trompe-l'œil has been widely used in Renaissance and Baroque art to enhance realism and depth in paintings and architecture.