Church of Sant'Alessandro in Zebedia

The Church of Sant'Alessandro in Zebedia is situated in the square that bears the same name and can be accessed by going up a marble stairway consisting of 12 steps so as to reach the sacresty of the church which is protected by pickets that trace the sacred area. It is a tranquil and relaxing place which takes one away from the city's frenzy.

The first thing one notices of the church is the Baroque style and the two lateral bell towers: one functions as a clock whilst the other has been a belfry since 1643.

The church was built in 1589 thanks to the Barbnabiti Priests who received the concession for a parish church dedicated to Saint Alessandro on an area where there was once an antique oratory dedicated to Saint Pancras, and the Saint Zebedia prison in which, it is thought, martyr Alessandro was held.

The laying of the foundation stone was carried out in 1602 by Federico Borromeo. The design was done by Lorenzo Birago who collaborated with the chartered surveyor Francesco Maria Richino.

Once in front of the entrance of the church one finds oneself in a lobby with wooden insets, and from here one reaches the church through one of the two existing doors: three naves separated by large pillars and buttress'. The central area is dedicated to the benches for the faithful whilst the lateral areas host a baptismal font, an harmonium, and a beautiful, sacred image of the Virgin Mary.

Noteworthy is the pulpit which is embedded with precious stones, however, also very interesting is the presbitery: behind the alter used during mass there is a main alter surrounded by a red marble handrail placed on a black base dating back to 1741 which was build by Riccardi.

The whole alter structure is in green marble and covered with precious gems (lapislazzuli and red jaspers). The walls of the presbitery are enriched by six paintings by Filippo Abbiati and by fresco's by Federico Bianchi and Giovan Battista Grandi which date back to 1687 and show scenes from the Saint's life.

In the Nativity Chapel built in 1613, one can find the alter piece representing the Shepherd's Grief by Camillo Procaccini which dates back to 1615. The same author realised the Crucifix showing the Madonna and Saint John.

There are thirteen confessionals present in this monumental church, two of which are made of walnut and have marble insets.