HISTORY

In 1145, where now exists Via Brolo, were build up a hospital in front of Basilica di Santo Stefano and a Cemetery, but soon this space was revealed insufficient; therefore a small room was build up in order to collect bones exhumed from the cemetery. In 1268, near the Charnel House, a small Church has been erected for being used as Sepulchre.
But in 1642 the bell tower of the Basilica collapsed over the Charnel House and the contiguous Church. Both the buildings were reconstructed and the Charnel House, rebuild from the foundations, was completed in 1695. The Cupola was frescoed by Sebastiano Ricci from Veneto between the 1693 and the 1694. In 1750 the Church was widened by the architects Croci and Merlo and became known as San Bernardino alle Ossa.

VISIT

The entrance is from the Church of San Bernardino. In order to visit the Charnel House, as soon as you enter, turn right following one tightened corridor. But first I suggest you to take a glance at least at the baroque Church of San Bernardino.
The church has a centred plan with only one nave. Climb up the steps and go towards the small chapel to right: here you can observe an ancona, on the baroque altar, that represents Santa Maria Maddalena. Over the altar a bust of San Gennaro. In this chapel you can find a family vault of Columbus' descendants. On the lateral frames of the altar badges can be observed and the maxim of the family "Colon gave the new world to Castile and to the Leon".
In the left chapel a painting represents Santa Rosalia with an angel. In a small glass shrine you will see S. Maria Child, object of devotion.
At both sides of the greater altar two large paintings represent Sant'Ambrogio during the battle of Parabiago and San Carl. In front of the altar a grating closes the entrance to the Crypt, Grave of the Disciplines.
Entering in the Charnel House, what more strikes the visitor is the incredible number of bones and skulls bundled up covering the entire walls of the room. These are also used as ornaments of doors and in order to adorn the pillars, mixed with decorations in rococo style.
On the cupola, Ricci's fresco contrasts considerably with the dark atmosphere, illuminated from the candles, of the rest of the Charnel House. With brilliant and bright colours it represents the triumph of the blessed spirits in a swarm of Angels.