Saint Christopher on the Naviglio

Centuries ago Saint Christorpher was the first stop on the way to Santiago de Compostela.  Pilgrims first came here to get the credenziali (credentials, also known as pilgrim's passport) before embarking on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Originally, it was a simple chapel with a typical bell-shaped roof. The church was added only at the end of the 13th century.  A pilgrim's hostel was added a century later.

There are two entrances. The older one on the left can be recognised by its beautiful 15th century door with a delicately worked Gothic terra-cotta rosette in the middle.  The one on the right is Cappella Ducale (Ducal Chapel) built at the beginning of 15th century by Gian Galeazzo Visconti. Above the entrance is the symbol of the noble family, a snake.

 

I can imagine that the church would have been very beautiful when it served the pilgrims in the past. Why? The reminiscence of the frescoes is beautiful.  Those at the central apse were restored. It houses frescoes of Bernardino Luini's school, portraying the Father with angels. I like a duke or gentleman.

But the rest on both sides of the apse vault were destroyed.  Byzantine-influenced Christ Blessing (dated back to the late 12th century) is the only part which can be seen on the left side of the apse vault.

There are some precious wooden statues.  For examples, a Saint Christopher from the 14th century and one from the 16th century, which reflects the locals' devotion to this patron saint of travellers.