Chiesa del Santissimo Nome di Maria (Crespi d'Adda)

The parish church of the Santissimo Nome di Maria stands opposite the factory in Crespi d’Adda. Built between 1891 and 1893, it reproduces the design of Santa Maria di Piazza in Busto Arsizio, the hometown of the Crespi family.

Why it matters

The church gives architectural form to the Crespi family's ties to its place of origin. The design was reportedly proposed by Pia Travelli Crespi, and its close relationship to the Busto Arsizio sanctuary is visible in both its proportions and ornament.

What to notice

The square-plan church rises from a base of local ceppo stone to an octagonal dome, surrounded by an outer loggia of marble columns. Inside, the dome is decorated with thirty-three golden stucco stars; thirty-two niches with putti encircle the drum. Larger figures of sibyls and prophets occupy the spaces beneath the cupola.

Context and history

The model at Busto Arsizio is attributed to Bramante in the church operator's account. Luigi Cavenaghi completed the painted decoration at Crespi in 1895. In 1921, Carlo Prada added angels, while Ferdinando Monzio Compagnoni painted three frescoes near the altar. Originally a private chapel for the Crespi family, the church later became the parish serving the community built around the mill.