Mysterious Milan: Legends of Ghosts among Castles, Churches and Crypts

Milan, with its mix of millennial history and contemporary culture, is transformed into a frighteningly fascinating city during Halloween.

The city is dotted with places shrouded in ghostly legends, each of which holds a unique story. One of the best known is the Castello Sforzesco, an imposing fortress with a past steeped in violence and intrigue. It is said that the spirit of Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan, still wanders its rooms. The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio and the Teatro alla Scala are no less, where the spectre of a famous composer is said to still roam the stages.

Among the most famous stories, one that stands out is that of Bianca Maria Visconti, a noble woman from Milan in the 15th century, who is believed to have made a demonic pact to preserve her eternal beauty. Her specter is said to appear during full moon nights, wandering among the people who are still alive. Another fascinating story is that of the Ghost of the Tram of Porta Genova, a tram conductor who lost his life in a tragic accident and continues to drive night after night.

From these brief introductions to the mysterious stories, it's clear that Milan offers a rich variety of unique places worth exploring during the Halloween holidays.

The Crypt of San Sepolcro 

Hidden beneath the Chiesa di San Sepolcro, the Crypt is a place steeped in mystery and history with roots dating back to the year 1000. This site was the beating heart of the Milanese civitas and the place where St Carlo Borromeo prayed and meditated, as shown by the statue of the saint. The columns and vaultsare decorated with frescoes that are still visible, while the floor housesancient marble slabs from the nearby Roman Forum. A place that also fascinated Leonardo Da Vinci so much that he called the crypt 'the true centre of Milan'and it was a source of inspiration in his drawings.

 

Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa 

Inside this unique church, you will find the Ossuary of San Bernardino of Siena, a 15th century Franciscan friar. The history of the Ossuary dates backto the late 16th century, when it was created to address the problem of overcrowded Holy land in the city's cemeteries. Milan was experiencing rapid development, and the cemeteries were crowded. The bones were arranged in a decorative manner along the walls and columns of the ossuary. It is believed that the bones belonged to patients from the hospitals, the friars who worked there, prisoners and the canons of the Basilica of Santo Stefano.

 

Monumental Cemetery 

The Monumental Cemetery in Milan is an extraordinary testimony to funerary art and architecture. Many of the mausoleums and tombs were created by renowned artists who worked in the city. Wandering through the avenues of the cemetery, you can admire frightening and poignant images. Among the tombs, the Rossetti one stands out, with the peculiarity of two decapitated statues. This monument was damaged by bombing in World War II, but the result remains extraordinary.

Villa Necchi Campiglio

Adding another destination to the list, we mustn't overlook Villa Necchi Campiglio. This elegant residence represents a captivating blend of neoclassical and rationalist styles. However, its beauty is accompanied by a story that ties it to the supernatural. It is said that the ghost of Ada, one of the daughters of the Necchi family, still roams the corridors of the villa, bearing witness to a mysterious past.

 

Remember to check opening hours and updated information before setting off to discover these fascinating wonders!