Discovering the Hidden Crypt of San Sepolcro in Milan: Repurposed Remnants of a Roman Forum
Nestled below the ancient Chiesa di San Sepolcro in Milan lies one of the city's most profound hidden treasures: the Crypts of San Sepolcro. Reopened to the public in 2019 after 50 years of restoration, this sacred underground space connects centuries of faith, history, and spirituality.
The church above, dedicated in 1100 AD to the Holy Sepulchre—the tomb in Jerusalem where Jesus was said to have been laid after the Crucifixion—was established just one year after the First Crusade captured Jerusalem.
Simulacrum
At the center of the crypt stands a 14th-century simulacrum: a masterful replica of Christ's tomb in Jerusalem. Tradition says crusaders brought soil from the holy sites and other relics, embedded within it.
San Carlo Borromeo
Beside it is a polychrome terracotta statue of San Carlo Borromeo (Saint Charles). As Archbishop of Milan, he chose this space for prayer every Wednesday and Friday, meditating on Christ's Passion—sometimes all night—calling the crypts his “gymnasium of the Holy Spirit.” The statue was placed here after his canonization in tribute. (His own crypt is in the Duomo di Milano.)
Nearby polychrome statues share the same style, though time has worn away much of the paint, exposing the terracotta beneath.
History of the Crypt
The crypt links to a key Catholic tradition. According to Monsignor Marco Ballarini, prefect of the Ambrosian Library, local sisters once held 40-hour adoration four times a year here. This inspired the 40 Hours Devotion—a 40-hour continuous prayer vigil before the Blessed Sacrament, still practiced today.
The floor slabs and columns come from the Roman forum of ancient Mediolanum (Milan's Roman name). The church was built around 1030 AD atop these remains, but the Roman elements once led to an earlier dating.
One of the drawings found in the Codex Atlanticus (held in the Ambrosian Library) supports Leonardo da Vinci referring to the Church of San Sepolcro as the “true center of Milan.”
Art of the Crypt
Frescoes decorate the walls and ceilings: simple star patterns to detailed religious scenes. A radiant sun symbol may be an early Visconti family emblem (like the Duomo's stained-glass Biscione), though wear makes it hard to confirm.
There are various art installations featured in the Crypt and at the time of our visit there was a modern backlit white marble installation in honor of the Shroud of Turin.
Should You Go on the Tour?
The crypt tour is short and ideally paired with the nearby Ambrosian Library. The entrance to the crypt is a few steps from the library exit. It makes sense that if you decide to see the Ambrosian Library (Ambrosiana) to take 30 minutes to an hour to tour the Crypt of San Sepolcro. A quiet, layered place revealing Milan's deep history and devotion. Worth the visit.
Practical Info and Tickets
Crypts only: €8
Crypts + Ambrosian Library: €20
Duomo package (most Duomo areas + Ambrosian Library + crypts): €36 (recommended)
Buy via the Ambrosian Library website or Duomo ticket options. For Duomo package details, see guides like the Ultimate ticket-buying guide for Duomo di Milano.
