Saint Ambrose

Saint Ambrose (Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio) in Brugherio, Italy, is an enchanting historical gem that offers visitors a journey through time, steeped in religious significance and architectural beauty. Nestled in the serene landscape of Brugherio, this quaint yet captivating church is an excellent destination for those looking to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Lombardy region.

The Origins: Saint Ambrose and Saint Marcellina

According to oral and literary tradition, the site where Saint Ambrose stands today was once home to a villa owned by Ambrose, the Bishop of Milan, in the 4th century. This villa was gifted to his sister, Marcellina, and other noble virgins who had dedicated themselves to a life of chastity, providing them with a peaceful retreat for contemplation and prayer. Ambrose himself often retreated to this tranquil location to meditate, write, and spread the Christian faith among the rural villages.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this site is the story of the relics of the Magi. Ambrose is said to have gifted a portion of these relics, which had been given to the Bishop Eustorgio by the Emperor, to his sister Marcellina. These relics were devoutly preserved over the centuries and were eventually rediscovered by Cardinal Federico Borromeo, who transferred them to the parish church.

From the 16th to the 18th Century

The historical documentation reveals that the complex, including the monastery, was associated with various religious orders, such as the Benedictines, Augustinians, and finally the Humiliati. During the 16th century, the Humiliati moved to the Monastery of Santa Caterina la Chiusa in Milan but retained ownership of the monastery in Brugherio. The site likely included a chapel where the nuns would retreat for prayer. This assumption is supported by Cardinal Federico Borromeo's pastoral visit in 1596, which described the chapel's precarious architectural state and the richness of its sacred furnishings.

Saint Ambrose is also featured in the maps of the Teresian Cadastre from 1763, depicted as a building along the road that connects to Carugate, now known as Via dei Mille.

The 19th Century and the 1886 Restoration

After the suppression of monastic orders by Napoleon Bonaparte, the property, including the church, was sold to various landowners. In 1886, the church underwent significant restoration under the ownership of Ercole Gnecchi. This restoration revealed 14th-century frescoes depicting Saint Ambrose with his siblings Satyrus and Marcellina, as well as the martyr saints Sebastian and Fabian.

The 20th Century to the Present

The year 1953 marked a significant period for Saint Ambrose. To commemorate the 1600th anniversary of Marcellina's velatio (her consecration to a life of virginity), the owners of the property, the Cavajoni-Bologna family, undertook further restoration of the church's frescoes and the creation of the lunette on the façade. The celebrations culminated on October 31, with a visit from Monsignor Ennio Bernasconi, the abbot of Saint Ambrose in Milan, who praised the dedication to preserving the church.

Today, Saint Ambrose continues to be a focal point for cultural initiatives, such as Ville Aperte, which aims to rediscover the beauty of Monza and Brianza. The church and its adjoining farmhouse were included in the 2009 edition of this event.

Art and Architecture

The Façade Post-1886 Restoration

The exterior of Saint Ambrose, visible from Via dei Mille, dates back to the late 19th century. The 1886 restoration by Ercole Gnecchi transformed the façade into a Lombard-style brick structure. The façade is divided into two sections by a string course: the upper section features a lunette with a depiction of Saint Ambrose blessing, flanked by two round-arched windows and topped by a modest pediment. The lower section includes a splayed portal with a paleochristian-style architrave, adorned with a Greek cross and symbols of the evangelists Mark (Lion) and John (Eagle). The design elements draw inspiration from the Basilica of Saint Ambrose in Milan.

Interior Architectural Elements

The church's interior features a small nave with an apse, covered by a gabled ceiling supported by decorated wooden trusses. The floor is made of brick tiles, and the walls are painted in a simple parchment color with a polychrome baseboard. The altar is preceded by a round arch, with a tympanum above depicting praying angels and an oval containing the radiant cross Salus Mundi. The presbytery's vault is decorated with starry blue segments and brick ribs, housing a stone altar beneath. The presbytery is separated from the nave by a Gothic-style stone balustrade.

Frescoes and Paintings

The 1953 Restoration

During the 1953 restoration, led by Professor Franco Milani, several 15th-century wall frescoes were uncovered. The left wall features Saint Fabian Pope and Saint Sebastian, while the right wall depicts the three saintly siblings: Ambrose, Marcellina, and Satyrus. The frescoes had suffered damage from humidity and lime layers applied during epidemics for hygiene purposes. The restoration involved careful consolidation of the plaster and stabilization of the cracks. The frescoes, characterized by light color schemes, exhibit a decorative effect reminiscent of the gentle chromatic style of 15th-century Lombard art.

In conclusion, Saint Ambrose in Brugherio is not just a church; it is a testament to centuries of religious devotion, artistic expression, and historical significance. Its walls and frescoes tell the story of a rich and vibrant past, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the cultural heritage of Lombardy.