Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa

Another church, you might be thinking. But trust me, I’m not trying to make you visit every church in Milan. Step into the small building just to the left of the main church, and you’ll see it’s actually an ossuary. You can visit it, it’s on the right as you enter.

Back in the day, a hospital was built next to the Church of Santo Stefano Maggiore, which you’ve just seen nearby. The problem, and it’s a bit grim,  was that the cemetery filled up so quickly that they had to create a space to store the bones. In 1269, the chapel you’re standing in was built for exactly that purpose. The décor is striking, to say the least, they even had the bold idea to make a giant cross out of stacked skulls.

Whether you find it eerie, macabre, or strangely fascinating, it’s the kind of place that won’t leave you unmoved.