Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa (Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa) Tours
A chapel made from some truly unusual materials, San Bernardino alle Ossa is decorated by more than 3,000 human bones, arranged in Rococò-style patterns on the walls, cornice, pillars, and doors. Also of note are a series of 16th-century paintings, a ceiling fresco, and baroque-style decorations lining the walls.
The Basics
Seek out this chapel to experience a place of worship decorated with human bones, either independently or on a city tour. San Bernardino alle Ossa is often included on tours along with landmarks such as the Duomo and Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to The Last Supper. Join a walking, bike, or bicycle-powered rickshaw tour as a convenient way to see Milan's attractions, including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle, and La Scala opera house.
Things to Know Before You Go
How to Get There
San Bernardino is located a short walk from the Duomo between Via Verziere and Piazza Santo Stefano in central Milan. Capital city of Lombardy, Milan is well-connected by train to Florence, Rome, and Venice for an easy day trip.
When to Get There
The church is open daily except Sundays, though it closes briefly at midday. The ossuary is one of the quieter, off-the-beaten-path attractions in Milan, so visit during the peak hours of the day when the city’s more famous sites may be crowded with tourists.
The Odd History of Milan’s “Bone Chapel”
The origins of San Bernardino alle Ossa date to the 12th century, when the adjacent hospital and cemetery ran out of space to bury the dead. Bones were stored in a room off the church's main nave, and over time they were integrated into the decor. Today, this chapel contains more than 3,000 skulls, tibias, femurs, and other human bones.
The Basics
Seek out this chapel to experience a place of worship decorated with human bones, either independently or on a city tour. San Bernardino alle Ossa is often included on tours along with landmarks such as the Duomo and Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to The Last Supper. Join a walking, bike, or bicycle-powered rickshaw tour as a convenient way to see Milan's attractions, including the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Sforza Castle, and La Scala opera house.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Those who love offbeat attractions find a visit to this remarkable ossuary fascinating.
- As San Bernardino alle Ossa is a place of worship, wear attire covering shoulders and knees.
- The church is accessible to wheelchairs.
- Photographs can be taken inside the ossuary, though with discretion and respect for the sanctity of the site.
- This attraction may not be suitable for young children or the squeamish.
How to Get There
San Bernardino is located a short walk from the Duomo between Via Verziere and Piazza Santo Stefano in central Milan. Capital city of Lombardy, Milan is well-connected by train to Florence, Rome, and Venice for an easy day trip.
When to Get There
The church is open daily except Sundays, though it closes briefly at midday. The ossuary is one of the quieter, off-the-beaten-path attractions in Milan, so visit during the peak hours of the day when the city’s more famous sites may be crowded with tourists.
The Odd History of Milan’s “Bone Chapel”
The origins of San Bernardino alle Ossa date to the 12th century, when the adjacent hospital and cemetery ran out of space to bury the dead. Bones were stored in a room off the church's main nave, and over time they were integrated into the decor. Today, this chapel contains more than 3,000 skulls, tibias, femurs, and other human bones.
Address: Via Verziere, 2, Milan 20122, Italy
4 Tours and Activities to Experience Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa (Santuario di San Bernardino alle Ossa)
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Milan discover main churches, private guided tour
This is an on foot guided tour in Milan that allows you to see some of the main churches in Milan, as well as their masterpieces inside, paintings and statues and the tour leader will explain you the history of these churches showing you the most important and interesting artworks you will admire there.
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From
$185.49
per group
From
$185.49
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Secret Milan
2
Out of the classic tours of Milan – an unexpected visit to its hidden treasures!
A walking tour in places where even the milaneses have never been… What’s the meaning of the name “San Bernardino alle Ossa”? What happened to the disappeared church of San Giovanni in Conca in piazza Missori? And… how brilliant was the project by the Renaissance architect Donato Bramante in Santa Maria presso San Satiro, dealing with a lack of space? Enjoy our tour and discover it with us!
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From
$97.69
From
$97.69
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More
Tour of the REAL Milan in 3h
1
The tour it's created for people who want enjoy a private and different experience in Milan.
You'll be able to visit the most important monuments but also some hidden pearl in the city.
During the tour the guide is going to also show you a lot of nice places to eat, drink and experience like a real Milanese (someone from Milan).
The tour guide is in fact a student from the city who will bring the perfect mix between storytelling and fun and has a deep knowledge of the Milan.
We are open to adapt the tour at your needs and preferences.
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From
$37.70
From
$37.70
Discover Churches in Milan with a Local
This Experience is provided by a private local.
Do you want to learn about a selection of some of the most beautiful Churches of Milan? Come with me and discover another side of the city of Milan, which is filled with churches and religion. From sanctuaries dating back to the earliest years of the Christian era to dazzling churches from the Renaissance, our walk will take us through various stunning places in Milan.
Beside being a fashion capital, Milan is also a city rich in history and culture, and as a history passionate local it is the perfect city to live in!
Let me show you the religious and impressive side of Milan.
I will show you the historical buildings and churches, many of which have undergone remodelling and restructuring. You will also get to know more about the history of Milan and why is religion still so relevant in Italy.
Come curious and don’t hesitate to ask me any questions, I will give my best to answer them all!
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From
$62.15
From
$62.15
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