Saint Ambrose Church

The Saint Ambrose Church, known locally as Chiesa di Sant'Ambrogio, stands as a beacon of history and spirituality in the heart of Cinisello Balsamo, Italy. This remarkable church, dedicated to Saint Ambrose, the patron and protector of the town, offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its rich architectural heritage and storied past.

The Historical Tapestry of Saint Ambrose Church

The origins of Saint Ambrose Church trace back to the 16th century, built upon the ruins of an even older structure. Initially, the church was strategically elevated on a terraplen to protect it from the stagnant waters that plagued the area. The original design featured a square plan divided into two naves, without a bell tower, and surrounded by a cemetery. The lack of a parish house meant that priests traveled from Desio to conduct services.

In the late 16th century, under the guidance of parish priest Don Maffeo Belloni, the church underwent a significant transformation. A new single-nave church was constructed, featuring a rectangular plan with dimensions of 42 by 22 cubits. This renovation included the addition of a main altar and two side altars, one dedicated to the Blessed Virgin of the Rosary.

A Century of Change and Growth

The church saw further changes in the 17th century, following a devastating plague. Under the leadership of Don Francesco Solari and the community, the church was redesigned by architect Giovanni Battista Guida Bombarda. Completed between 1636 and 1644, the new rectangular structure measured nearly 18 meters in length and over 9 meters in width, with an expanded apse.

The 18th century brought another wave of expansion under the direction of Don Antonio Longhi. The church was lengthened and widened, and a bell tower was finally added during this period. By the end of these renovations in 1727, the church had grown into a single nave structure with ten side chapels.

19th Century Enhancements

In the 19th century, the church continued to evolve. In 1807, Don Giuseppe Bergomi expanded the northern nave, adding a chapel dedicated to Saint Charles. A few decades later, the southern nave was also transformed, resulting in a three-nave church. Architect Giacomo Moraglia oversaw these changes around 1840.

Artistic endeavors also flourished during this time. In 1841, a series of frescoes depicting the life of Saint Ambrose were commissioned, though only partially completed by Carlo Farina. The cycle was finished in 1905 by David Beghè, who also contributed two medallions to the church's ceiling.

Modern Transformations

The 20th century brought significant renovations to the Saint Ambrose Church. Under the leadership of Don Massimo Pecora in the 1960s, the church underwent a comprehensive redesign. This included the addition of two lateral wings to the central body and a complete reformation of the interiors. The chapel of Saint Charles and various minor chapels were incorporated into the main structure to optimize space.

Other notable renovations included the creation of a crypt and a penitentiary, a reconstructed altar, and the installation of an impressive polychrome stained glass window behind the apse, crafted by Leonardo Spreafico. In 2009, the church's bells and bell tower were restored, followed by an exterior facelift in 2010, which gave the façade a rosy hue.

The Bells of Saint Ambrose

The church's bell ensemble is a notable feature, consisting of five bells in Si2, crafted by the Felice Bizzozero foundry in Varese in 1841. The third bell was recast two years later due to a crack. Today, the bell system is fully automated, continuing to chime the hours for the community.

Saint Ambrose Church is more than just a religious site; it is a testament to the resilience and devotion of the Cinisello Balsamo community. Its walls echo centuries of history, faith, and artistry, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the rich cultural tapestry of this charming Italian town.