Hidden Treasures of Martesana
In the rush of modern life, we often lose sight of the profound impact of art. Rediscovering it in unexpected places — such as along the Naviglio Martesana — is a fascinating experience: here, art isn’t confined to museums, but reveals itself in settings where time seems to stand still.
In this section, we explore these hidden gems, especially those found in churches and chapels. We are talking about frescoes that narrate biblical stories, wooden sculptures that convey deep spirituality, and paintings that reflect the artistic genius of the past.
The concept of “rediscovered art” goes beyond traditional works. It also embraces elements that, though seemingly distant from conventional art, have the power to reveal new ways of seeing the world. It might be an unexpected architectural detail, an ancient sundial, or the tools of long-forgotten crafts — elevated to true artisanal skills. We invite you to explore the area with a curious eye, recognizing art in all its forms as a way to discover new perspectives and connections with the past.
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St. Francis Church
Pozzuolo Martesana
The church’s fresco cycles trace five centuries of devotional painting, from the 14th to the 18th century. Created by unknown artists, likely painter-monks, they show Northern influences and innovations from Central Italy.
MAiO Museum
Cassina de’ Pecchi
The Museum of Hostage Art features a multimedia workstation displaying the 1,641 artworks stolen by the Nazis during World War II that remain “prisoners of war”. The collection includes over 800 paintings, numerous sculptures (including Michelangelo’s Head of a Faun, the museum’s symbol), tapestries, rugs, musical instruments, and a vast number of manuscripts.
The Church of Santa Maria Rossa
Crescenzago
The church once housed a triptych by Bergognone depicting Saints Agnes, Catherine, and Cecilia. Today, the painting is part of the collection of the Diocesan Museum of Milan. In 1779, large burial cavities were discovered beneath the church floor.
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria Nuova al Pilastrello
Vimodrone
The painting cycle of Santa Maria Nuova is the work of several Lombard Renaissance artists: some frescoes are attributed to the school of Bernardino Luini, while others reveal the hand of the schools of Bergognone and Gaudenzio Ferrari.
The Mural Works
Cassina de’ Pecchi
Throughout the Martesana area, visitors can admire a number of mural works rich in symbolic meaning. From the “Partisan Courier” in Pozzuolo Martesana, to those dedicated to ancient crafts along the streets of Cassina de’ Pecchi, and, again, the imposing “Nova Melzo” mural in Melzo.
