Between art galleries, cloisters used for cultural exhibitions of all kinds and magnificent halls for unforgettable musical experiences, La casa Cardinale Ildefonso Schuster in Milan earns a special nomination in the locations promoting outstanding artistic and cultural initiatives in the city. The complex Renaissance architectural elements and striking 16th-century cloisters that echo Bramante’s style in their details lend authority and elegance to this location in the center of Milan.
A few historical hints
Just a short walk from the cathedral are the splendid 16th-century cloisters of the Ambrosian Center, commissioned by the Trivulzio family and restored by leading architects such as Luca Beltrami, Cesare Nava and Antonio Cassi. The building’s origins date back to 1232, and it was used as a treatment center for patients suffering from St. Anthony’s Fire. The complex is named after Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster, Archbishop of Milan from 1926 to 1954.
3 interesting facts about the Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster House.
1. Convent, warehouse or prison?
The Cardinal Schuster House was initially used as a convent of the Theatines, then became a military depot and later a prison for political prisoners during the Napoleonic and Austro-Hungarian dominations, until it was reconverted in 1935 into a cultural and spiritual center, thanks to the intervention of Archbishop Ildefonso Schuster, to whom the structure owes its current name.
2. A bell tower from 1450
If you happen to take a close look at the bell tower of the Cardinal Schuster House, you might be surprised to learn that this square brick structure dates as far back as 1456! Its cone-shaped spire tells an ancient story, an authentic witness to 15th-century Milanese construction.
3. The magic of candles
The Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster House also serves as a backdrop for the evocative Candlelight tribute concerts . The covered cloister illuminated by thousands of candles creates an intimate and fairy-tale atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the greatest musical hits revisited in a classical key in the company of someone dear to you.
How do I get to the Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster House?
Located just over 500 meters from Milan Cathedral, it is possible to reach the location on foot or by transportation. The surface lines that reach this location are the 57, 60, 65, 85 as far as buses are concerned, if you prefer the streetcar then take line 12 or 15 . The Casa Schuster can also be reached by subway by taking the M1 or M3 lines, Duomo stop for both. Bus, Tram or Metro, the choice is wide although we recommend a nice walk through the historic streets of the metropolis.
The Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster House thus represents an important meeting point between history, culture and modernity in the center of Milan, offering versatile spaces for a wide range of events and cultural activities. If you are looking for a memorable location for a special evening, you’ve found it. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a wonderful concert signed Candlelight, by the light of countless candles in an unsurpassed location in the heart of the city of Milan.