Santuario di San Bernardino Alle Ossa
Santuario di San Bernardino Alle Ossa
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centro Storico
The pulsating core of Milan is in Centro. Duomo Square is enclosed by the gothic cathedral, the historic icon of Milan. However, shopping is what draws most crowds to this area. The classy and versatile Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with luxury boutiques and high quality restaurants will turn any shopping or lunch expedition into a royal experience. Head to the rooftop of the flagship La Rinascente to enjoy the view of the animated square with a panorama of the Duomo. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the street for high-end shopping. Brands of all kinds and street artists attract the attention of all visitors; while at Via Santa Radegonda 16, Luini Panzerotti is a much appreciated street food shop providing unimaginable culinary experiences. If shopping takes its toll on you, consider visiting Castello Sforzesco, a 15th century castle housing several museums. Those looking to relax can go to Parco Sempione, where nature provides respite from the energy of this dynamic and international city.
How to get there
- San Babila • 7 min walk
- Duomo • 7 min walk
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Restaurants
7,554 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,129 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- PurwitantoSengata, Indonesia3,076 contributionsChapel of bones in MilanWe were attracted by photos of the chapel of bones on the internet, so we wanted to visit it in Milan. The church itself is still in the center of Milan and not too far from the Milan Duomo. We took a taxi to get to this church from Milano Centrale station. When we got there we looked around for it but didn't find it until we went around in circles. It turned out that we had entered the correct church but the chapel was in a separate room next to the church and had a closed door, we had to pay a small donation to see this chapel. Interestingly enough, the chapel is composed of human bones. There is no scary impression here. I don't know if it's nighttime and alone, it might be scary too.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 1, 2024
- MattyMilan, Italy121 contributionsUnusualThe key word when you go to this place is unusual. Precisely its strenuity makes this church a place worth visiting. Located a stone's throw from the State University and Piazza del Duomo, it is easily reachable by any means of transport. An offering is kindly requested to access the ossuary. The ossuary itself is the most beautiful and interesting part of this church.Visited April 2024Traveled with friendsWritten April 25, 2024
- TualieVarese, Italy1,597 contributionsExtra to do apart of DuomoAfter visited the Capuchins crypt in Rome I got informed that in Milan there is a church with ossuary which I couldn’t believe so first opportunity arose went to visit it. Quick storyline: In this area where is now the basilica back in the Middle Ages there was a hospital with cemetery – cemetery was running out of space – older bones had to be dug out and put in a small chapel – bell tower of the adjacent church fell so church and chapel had to be rebuilt – someone had the idea of recycling the bones in artistic ways. The nowadays appearance dates back from the XVIII century. When the then King of Portugal visited it, he was so impressed that he made a larger ossuary chapel in Evora. Absolutely worth the quick visit if in Milan, before or after Duomo. That ceiling fresco Triumph of souls in a flight of angels (1695) by Sebastiano Ricci completes the whole beauty. Since is free, be nice and make a small donation!Visited November 2023Traveled with friendsWritten May 5, 2024
- Stefano91Milan, Italy94,548 contributionsAn unusual and macabre church!Approaching Halloween Night, we returned to revisit this church located a short distance from the Duomo, in Piazza Santo Stefano, next to the basilica of the same name. From the outside, it does not even look like a church but a dwelling building. The interior, very bright, has an octagonal central plan, the chapel on the right contains the tombs of two descendants of the maternal branch of Christopher Columbus, marked by the family coats of arms; it is unknown who they are and why they are buried here. First macabre detail: on the floor a bronze grating hides the staircase leading to the underground crypt where the corpses of the members of the Brotherhood of Disciplines (to which the church belonged) were placed, seated on benches, each dressed in his own habit and with his face covered. Even more singular, and macabre, is, however, the seventeenth-century Ossuary, a square-plan chapel (reached by a short corridor on the right of the church) whose walls are completely covered with human skulls and bones; there are hundreds of them and perhaps they come from the cemetery of a hospital that previously stood nearby and was demolished. An ancient Milanese legend says that, on the night of November 2 (at that time Halloween was not yet celebrated), the skeletons are reassembled and dance a wild macabre dance until morning. From the outside, anyone who dares to pass by that night might hear the sound of bones banging between them. After all this macabre, next to the exit, there is a beautiful reproduction of Maria Bambina. In the alley, which separates this church from that of Santo Stefano, you can see the facade of the Ossuary and a hole for alms. An unmissable and unusual corner of Milan, in the center.Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 28, 2024
- Freddy_RovelliPiacenza, Italy786 contributionsCharming and MacabreThe walls are almost entirely covered with skulls and bones, arranged in niches, on cornices, pillars and doors. The bones also constitute the decorations of the walls. The remains probably belong to the dead of the Brolo hospital dedicated to the care of lepers, now destroyed, and to the bodies moved from the suppressed seventeenth-century cemeteries. The skulls locked in the boxes above the front door are those of those condemned to death. The vault is frescoed by Sebastiano Ricci, forerunner of Tiepolo, who introduced Venetian Baroque painting to Milan. According to a legend, on November 2, the Day of the Dead, a little girl, whose remains are at the altar of the ossuary, returns to live dragging the other skeletons in a macabre dance. Who will be brave enough to visit the church on that very day?Visited December 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten December 27, 2024
- FortunatoMilan, Italy29,048 contributionsThat's creepy.It is spectacular, but equally disturbing this small church located in Piazza Santo Stefano, next to the State University of Milan. Despite almost escaping next to the imposing church of Santo Stefano that seems gigantic by comparison (and a little 'is), it is a very, but very unique jewel. It contains an ossuary with thousands of human skulls and bones that literally carpet its walls up to the very high frescoed ceiling. Absolutely not to be missed. Unique church of its kind in Milan.Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten January 18, 2025
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Stefano91
Milan, Italy94,548 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
After several years, I returned yesterday to revisit this unusual church a stone's throw from the Duomo and located next to the Basilica of Santo Stefano.
Looking at the outside you don't have the impression that it is a church; it looks like a residential building.
The interior has an octagonal plan, is bright and contains the tombs of two descendants of Christopher Columbus' maternal branch.
The most singular thing, however, is the ossuary, a square-shaped chapel (which can be reached via a short corridor) whose walls are covered with skulls and bones arranged to form crosses. there are hundreds of them and they should come from the previous cemetery of a demolished hospital that stood nearby.
A Milanese legend says that, on the night of November 2nd, the skeletons recompose themselves and, guided by that of a little girl, dance a wild macabre dance until the morning. From the outside you would hear the sound of bones banging together.
I don't know if it's true, I've never been through that night and I will continue not to!
Unfortunately, due to a camera problem, the photos of the interior did not appear. What is under the hand of the skeletons?
Looking at the outside you don't have the impression that it is a church; it looks like a residential building.
The interior has an octagonal plan, is bright and contains the tombs of two descendants of Christopher Columbus' maternal branch.
The most singular thing, however, is the ossuary, a square-shaped chapel (which can be reached via a short corridor) whose walls are covered with skulls and bones arranged to form crosses. there are hundreds of them and they should come from the previous cemetery of a demolished hospital that stood nearby.
A Milanese legend says that, on the night of November 2nd, the skeletons recompose themselves and, guided by that of a little girl, dance a wild macabre dance until the morning. From the outside you would hear the sound of bones banging together.
I don't know if it's true, I've never been through that night and I will continue not to!
Unfortunately, due to a camera problem, the photos of the interior did not appear. What is under the hand of the skeletons?

Written November 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alyeska13
The Netherlands630 contributions
Jun 2023 • Solo
This is a hidden gem in Milan. There are many churches to visit in this city, and this is probably one of the lesser known ones from the amount of people I encountered on my two visits there. The church itself is within walking distance of the Duomo and Galleria, and it’s very small compared to some of the others. It’s well worth a visit if you’re interested in the unusual though. For a small donation, you can visit the ossuary attached to the small church which is very quiet, eerie, and beautiful. It’s a nice place to pray for the people buried there and whose bones are used to decorate the burial area, and it’s a good reminder to pray for our own loved ones who have died. In both the church and ossuary there are gorgeous works of art and candles to light for loved ones or special intentions (with a small donation of course.) I really felt comfortable here in the calm and respectful atmosphere. When in Milan again, I will definitely make it a point to visit.
Written January 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard M
Hampstead Norreys, UK946 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was one of the strangest places i have visited. The church is a lovely if small but that is not the main attraction. Through a side door takes you into the section of the church that is full of bones. The whole place is decorated with human skulls and bones making up patterns and crosses. So strange and weirdly fascinating.
Written October 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fabio M
3 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
As a Milanese I have had many opportunities to visit this particular place. Today 6 September 2023, passing by, I entered. Both in the immediate vicinity of the door that leads from the church to the Ossuary and inside it there are boxes for the collection of offerings for the maintenance of the sacred place. Near the passage door there is an altar on which an individual was leaning who, with a rosary crown in his hand, in a peremptory tone forced tourists to introduce 1 euro into the offering box to access the ossuary. I would like to point out that they are practically I am well aware of the needs that every church has for its own sustenance, but such an attitude is absolutely worth mentioning. The offer is and must be free. At this point, if necessary, let them pay for the ticket!

Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandro F
Milan, Italy33,040 contributions
Mar 2023 • Solo
The church with an enormous dome is characterized by a macabre chapel called Ossuary Chapel , with thousands of human bones and skulls.
The church was build over a cemetery during medieval period and rebuild several times, in 1642 the bell tower of nearby church of Saint Stefano collapse over the church then in 1712 a fire destroyed it.
The church we can see today was rebuilt in 1754 on a project of the architect Carlo Giuseppe Merlo (1690-1760). The enormous dome is over the unique room with two lateral chapels and the main altar , on the right side at the entrance you’ll see the Ossuary chapel
The church was build over a cemetery during medieval period and rebuild several times, in 1642 the bell tower of nearby church of Saint Stefano collapse over the church then in 1712 a fire destroyed it.
The church we can see today was rebuilt in 1754 on a project of the architect Carlo Giuseppe Merlo (1690-1760). The enormous dome is over the unique room with two lateral chapels and the main altar , on the right side at the entrance you’ll see the Ossuary chapel
Written March 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victor R
Denver, CO81 contributions
Dec 2022
We went to see this church while we waited for our ticketed time to see the Duomo. It's only a couple of minutes to walk here from the cathedral. The main entrance to the church leads to a standard looking church you'd see anywhere in Italy; however, you take a right upon entering to reach the chapel with all the bones. It's really a cool thing to see! Glad we took the little side stroll away from the Duomo to see it. Entry is free, but there is a donation collection at the entry to the bone chapel if you feel so inclined.
Written December 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura M
Melbourne, Australia253 contributions
Jan 2023 • Solo
Located off to the side of the San Bernardino church in piazza stano Stefano. It was a little bit creepy but so fascinating to see how meticulously the chapel had been decorated with the vines and skulls.
There is free entry to the church and they ask for a coin donation to see the chapel.
There is free entry to the church and they ask for a coin donation to see the chapel.
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JRMADA
United States3,473 contributions
Oct 2022
There are two different places here and one next to the other. There is the Church of San Bernardino which is very rustic yet charming, and then there is the Ossuary with it’s small chapel which is a very unique place for us. Apparently they had to build over the cemetery, so they took the bones and relocated them to the walls of a small chapel here. They arranged the skulls in some interesting designs and to us it looks very cool. Entry to both sites is free of charge; however, donations are greatly appreciated. Go have a look as this is a unique site.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul O
County Monaghan, Ireland6,289 contributions
Nov 2021 • Solo
The main church itself makes for a interesting visit but the attraction that most people come to see is located in a side chapel which has its own separate entrance. The Ossarie is a small room where the walls are made up of skulls and bones. The room is very cold and it makes for a very interesting experience.
Written November 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kay-1
Bareggio, Italy1,280 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
As the name suggests, it is a place of worship that stands out from the others for the macabre decoration of one of its rooms, made with human bones.
In 1145 a hospital was opened near the Church of Santo Stefano Maggiore. The church cemetery filled up in a short time and they had to build a room to accommodate the bones of the deceased.
In 1268 the Prior and the Brothers who ran the hospital had a small church built near the Ossuary dedicated to the passion of the Virgin Mary, to St. Sebastian and to St. Ambrose.
In 1642, the bell tower of the nearby church of Santo Stefano Maggiore collapsed, destroying the ossuary.
The Congregation of Disciplini hastened to build a new ossuary and connect it to the Church built in the 13th century which in the meantime, in 1450, was dedicated to San Bernardino of Siena.
The chapel-ossuary presents another reason of interest which is not secondary. The internal walls of the square-plan building are almost completely covered with skulls and bones that were found in the ancient Ossuary together with those that were exhumed from the suppressed cemeteries after the closure of the hospital, which occurred in 1652 by order of the administration of Ospedale Maggiore, to which it had been attached about two centuries earlier.
All the bones were placed in the niches, on the cornice, adorning the pillars and decorating the doors.
Legend has it that many of the bones on display here are of Christians killed by Arian heretics in the time when St. Ambrose was bishop of the Milanese Church, a tradition that justifies a cult that has reached the limits of Orthodoxy. In reality, however, it is about:
- poor sick people who died on straw mattresses in the old Brolo hospital,
- Priors and Brothers who directed it,
- sentenced to beheading,
- prisoners who died in prisons after their dedicated cemetery proved insufficient in 1622,
- belonging to the highest Milanese nobility who rested in the gentle tombs - of the nearby churches,
- canons of the basilica of S. Stefano.
But the Milanese called the ossuary "of the Innocents" and surrounded it with great veneration.
In 1145 a hospital was opened near the Church of Santo Stefano Maggiore. The church cemetery filled up in a short time and they had to build a room to accommodate the bones of the deceased.
In 1268 the Prior and the Brothers who ran the hospital had a small church built near the Ossuary dedicated to the passion of the Virgin Mary, to St. Sebastian and to St. Ambrose.
In 1642, the bell tower of the nearby church of Santo Stefano Maggiore collapsed, destroying the ossuary.
The Congregation of Disciplini hastened to build a new ossuary and connect it to the Church built in the 13th century which in the meantime, in 1450, was dedicated to San Bernardino of Siena.
The chapel-ossuary presents another reason of interest which is not secondary. The internal walls of the square-plan building are almost completely covered with skulls and bones that were found in the ancient Ossuary together with those that were exhumed from the suppressed cemeteries after the closure of the hospital, which occurred in 1652 by order of the administration of Ospedale Maggiore, to which it had been attached about two centuries earlier.
All the bones were placed in the niches, on the cornice, adorning the pillars and decorating the doors.
Legend has it that many of the bones on display here are of Christians killed by Arian heretics in the time when St. Ambrose was bishop of the Milanese Church, a tradition that justifies a cult that has reached the limits of Orthodoxy. In reality, however, it is about:
- poor sick people who died on straw mattresses in the old Brolo hospital,
- Priors and Brothers who directed it,
- sentenced to beheading,
- prisoners who died in prisons after their dedicated cemetery proved insufficient in 1622,
- belonging to the highest Milanese nobility who rested in the gentle tombs - of the nearby churches,
- canons of the basilica of S. Stefano.
But the Milanese called the ossuary "of the Innocents" and surrounded it with great veneration.

Written December 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ciao! Volevo chiedere se l’ossario è aperto il sabato. Sul loro sito c’è scritto che è aperto, mentre su Google dicono che sia chiuso. Fatemi sapere, grazie.
Written October 3, 2020
Che io sappia, e fino a 3-4 mesi fa, è sempre stato aperto anche al sabato (con chiusura alle 18) e alla domenica (solo mattino).
Non so se in tempi più recenti hanno modificato gli orari, ma non credo.
Cordialmente.
Written October 3, 2020
Quali sono gli orari per vedere l'ossario il lunedì?
Written February 8, 2019
lun.-ven. 8-18; sab. 9.30-18; dom. 9.30-12. L'ossario è chiuso la domenica
Written February 9, 2019
grassiannalisa
La Spezia, Italy
Buongiorno è possibile fare delle fotografie?grazie
Written October 21, 2017
I plan to visit on Sunday in May but I get conflicting info on various sites on weather it is open on Sundays, can anybody please help with verified info
? Also what is the best means to get there, tram or bus. I have a full day with lots of walking planned already so do want to ride where at all possible.
Written February 24, 2017
hello, does anyone know, if I have to buy a ticket to get in the church? if yes, can i buy it on internet? I could only find guided tours, but nothing about that church entrance.
Written January 30, 2017
Entrance is free like most of all small churches in Italy. Just hours are funny and not clear
Written February 3, 2017
Come già detto da altri non si mangia qui..è una chiesa.
Non ti confondi con il Gattopardo che è una chiesa sconsacrata sempre a Milano?
Written September 16, 2015
Paola F
Bernareggio, Italy
Buongiorno. Avrei intenzione di visitare questa chiesa domenica 15 febbraio. Qualcuno mi può confermare gli orari di apertura? Alcuni siti dicono che è aperta la domenica ma altri no.
Grazie!
Written February 14, 2015
Mi sembra aperta anche durante la settimana. Nel pomeriggio sicuro dopo le quattro.
Written February 15, 2015
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