From the outside, it looks like a place of worship, a small neighborhood church where you go to recite the rosary. But in reality, this little church in Milan is something else entirely. Tucked away between the modern buildings of Chinatown, this place goes somewhat unnoticed. It gives the impression of a bar, with chairs and tables outside and a sign that clearly indicates the location of a pub and not a place to go to mass on Sunday mornings.
It is easy to be confused, as everything seems to have remained as it once was: the outer gate, the façade, the frescoes, the capitals. In short , a real church.
Photo: La Chiesetta / Facebook
Which it really is. No one denies that it is no longer a church, quite the contrary. Let’s just say that instead of pews to kneel on, you’ll find stools and a counter instead of an altar where you can sip cocktails. No holy water, but excellent drinks in addition to the famous chupitos of the parish (PapaNero FrateEllo, Sangue di Giuda…) and the miraculous Sangria del Priore.
In its day, this place was a real church dating back to the 18th century. Since 2006, it has become an exclusive location for anyone who wants to spend a “desecrated evening.” This is how Don Angel, the parish priest of La Chiesetta and promoter of this activity, describes it.
The good Don is a master of the art of mixology. From behind the bar, which overlooks the former church, he mixes and creates perfect combinations to offer to devotees and passing pilgrims.
From Club Dogo to Francesca Michielin: everyone loves La Chiesetta in Milan
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– Francesca Michielin
La Chiesetta in Milan has been chosen by several public figures who have passed through the city: Maccio Capatonda, Club Dogo, and even former X-Factor winner Francesca Michielin, who selected La Chiesetta as the location for sketches and music videos.
If you want to spend an evening that’s different from the usual and enjoy an experience where the sacred meets the profane, the Chiesetta is the place for you.
So, what do you say, are you ready for a desecrated evening?
Where: Via Paolo Lomazzo 12, Milan – Gerusalemme lilac metro stop. Open every day except Sunday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
