ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Historic Milanese Church Santa Maria Rossa Being Turned into Nightclub

cultural-heritage · 2026-04-27

Significant construction is currently taking place at the former Santa Maria Rossa church in Monzoro, Cusago, located near Milan, where plans for a nightclub are in progress. This deconsecrated church, the last standing structure of a 14th-century Augustinian Hermits abbey, is under the protection of the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Milano. Acquired several years back, it previously hosted various events and was rented out without major renovations until now. The church boasts a Romanesque nave, a presbytery adorned with a prominent fresco of Christ, and frescoes from the Lombard school. In the 20th century, it functioned as a stable and event venue, with restorations initiated since the 1930s. No official updates regarding the renovations have been confirmed.

Key facts

  • Heavy construction is underway at the former church of Santa Maria Rossa in Monzoro, Cusago, near Milan.
  • Workers report that a nightclub is set to open in the deconsecrated church.
  • The church is the last remnant of a 14th-century abbey of the Augustinian Hermits.
  • The building is protected by the Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Milano.
  • The church features Romanesque architecture, a large fresco of Christ and the evangelists, and Lombard school frescoes including a Virgin in red robes.
  • In the mid-1900s, Giotto-school frescoes were removed to the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco in Milan.
  • The church is listed among Lombardy's cultural heritage and FAI's 'Luoghi del Cuore'.
  • No official confirmation of the nightclub plan has been obtained; the owner and authorities have not responded to inquiries.

Entities

Institutions

  • Soprintendenza Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio di Milano
  • Castello Sforzesco
  • FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano)
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Santa Maria Rossa
  • Monzoro
  • Cusago
  • Milan
  • Lombardy
  • Italy

Sources