A building of Brahmanesque character, consisting of a central volume with a circular plan traversed by three levels of galleries to which are attached four smaller octagonal bodies in the shape of a Greek cross concluded by a small central dome and small domes in the corners.
Built following the Virgin's apparition to Caterina degli Uberti, Santa Maria della Croce represents a good example of Lombard Renaissance architecture, as well as one of the city's most important monuments of art and spiritual centers. The 'building has a central plan, pierced by three overlapping galleries, with chapels at the four cardinal points. Note the majestic central dome, divided into eight segments, on which the triumph of the Cross is depicted. It was built between 1490 and 1500 to a design by Giovanni Battaglio, who was inspired by Bramante and the designs of Leonardo Da Vinci. The plan is octagonal, of Ambrosian derivation, with alternating altars and chapels. It contains splendid Renaissance frescoes by Antonio Campi, Bernardino Campi and the Venetian Benedetto Diana. The grand dome was frescoed by the Grandi brothers and Gioacchino Parravicino (1702). The triumph of the Cross is depicted there.
