The growth of Milan's influence and power was largely due to the emergence and flourishing of the Visconti signoria, which remained in power for almost a century and a half. The small Church of Saint Gotthard, located just south of Cathedral Square, is directly connected with this outstanding family.
The church was built in the 14th century as the ducal chapel of Azzone Visconti. This fact is marked by a corresponding commemorative plaque on the wall of the church.
Originally, the chapel was dedicated to the Virgin Mary, but Azzone constantly suffered from gout, so the church was dedicated to the patron saint of gout sufferers, Saint Gotthard of Hildesheim.
The architect of the church was Francesco Pecorari. And in the church interior, the original paintings "Crucifixion" from the school of Giotto, "Saint Charles Borromeo" by Giovanni Crespi, and the tomb of Azzone Visconti himself have been preserved.
An interesting fact: the first public mechanical clock in Milan was installed on the bell tower of this church.
