Santa Maria delle Grazie al Naviglio

This unique church has been through a lot over the years. The neighborhood has changed and so has the church! Now, Naviglio Grande is lined with wonderful bars and restaurants beckoning passerby’s with drinks and delicious food. The church remains 100.0% Catholic although the building itself has definitely evolved. If needed, you can stop by for confession if you had too much fun in Navigli.
The first church, dedicated to Madonna delle Grazie, was established in 1556. This primitive chapel was subsequently upgraded and replaced with a Baroque edifice. This building burned in 1719 and was eventually restored.
In the late 1800’s, the church was again changed, being replaced with a larger building designed by Milan Gaetano Moretti. The design was finalized by Cesare Nava in 1900. Construction completed in 1909.
The church can be visited but please show the worshipers the respect they deserve. This is not a tourist attraction. It’s an operating church!