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Church of Sant'Eustorgio
Founded in the fourth century, the basilica was enriched with valuable Renaissance additions and the famous Portinari chapel was built
The Church of Sant'Eustorgio, of extremely ancient origins (4th century), is known for having conserved the relics of the Magi before they were stolen and brought to Cologne by Frederick Barbarossa.
In keeping with the centuries-old tradition each year on the day celebrating the Epiphany, a procession leaves from Piazza Duomo and makes its way to Sant'Eustorgio to honour its history.
Under the central nave, tombs have been found dating back to the Augustan age. These findings led to the conclusion that the church had been built on a pre-existing suburban necropolis. However, the lack of other significant findings has prevented the other structures found in the cemetery to be attributed to a specific time period.
The church played an important role in the religious life of the city. In fact, it is believed that St. Barnabas the Apostle baptized the first Christians here .The interior consists of three naves and its appearance is predominantly Romanesque.
After it was found, additional chapels were added including the Brivio Chapel that contains a Bergognone triptych and the Portinari Chapel, which was decorated with frescoes by Vincenzo Foppa and contains a painting by Benedetto Bembo portraying the banker Pigello Portinari kneeling before St. Peter the Martyr.
