St. Gotthard Church in Corte (Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte) was constructed between 1330 and 1336 by Azzone Visconti, the Lord of Milan, as a private chapel for his ducal court, which resided in the adjacent palace, then called the Palazzo del Broletto Vecchio. Originally dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it was later rededicated to Saint Gotthard of Hildesheim, the patron saint against gout, a disease that afflicted Azzone himself.

The church’s most striking feature is its octagonal bell tower, designed by Francesco Pecorari, a prime example of Lombard Gothic architecture with alternating pink terracotta and white marble corner columns. The tower historically housed one of Milan’s first public clocks, installed in 1335, giving the surrounding area the nickname Contrada delle Ore (Quarter of the Hours).

Although the interior was heavily remodeled in a Neoclassical style during the 18th century, it still preserves remarkable artworks: the funerary monument of Azzone Visconti by Giovanni di Balduccio, a fragment of a Crucifixion fresco attributed to the Giotto School, and an altarpiece of Saint Charles in Glory by Cerano (Giovanni Battista Crespi).

• The church is centrally located next to the Duomo Cathedral. The main entrance is often accessed via the Duomo Museum (Il Grande Museo del Duomo), making it easily reachable on foot from Piazza del Duomo.

• Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds.

• Take time to admire the octagonal Gothic bell tower and its intricate terracotta and marble details.

• Don’t miss the fragment of the Crucifixion fresco attributed to the Giotto School inside the church.

• Explore the funerary monument of Azzone Visconti by Giovanni di Balduccio.

• View the Saint Charles in Glory altarpiece by Cerano (Giovanni Battista Crespi).

• Combine your visit with the Duomo Cathedral and the nearby Palazzo Reale for a full historical experience.

• Access the church through the Duomo Museum entrance for convenience.

Admission Fee:

• Free access to the church; some artworks may be accessible through the Duomo Museum ticket.

Opening Time:

• Typically aligned with the Duomo Museum hours—generally 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.