San Martino Church

San Martino Church, known locally as Chiesa di San Martino, stands prominently in the heart of Cinisello Balsamo, Italy. This modern architectural marvel, located in Piazza Soncino, is not just a place of worship but a testament to the community's resilience and faith. Its imposing structure, made of reinforced concrete and adorned with exposed brick, welcomes visitors and worshippers alike, offering a serene escape from the bustling city life.

The Birth of San Martino Church

The story of San Martino Church begins in the 1950s, a time when Cinisello Balsamo was experiencing a significant population boom. The existing church could no longer accommodate the growing number of faithful, prompting the need for a new, larger place of worship. The initial plan was to build a subsidiary chapel, but the community, led by the visionary parish priest Don Piero Carcano, decided on constructing a new parish church instead.

After much deliberation, the site for the new church was chosen across from Villa Casati in Piazza Soncino. This central location was ideal for serving both the old and new residents of the city. The project, designed by engineer Claudio Latocca with the help of architects Olgiati and Sartorio, was funded through generous donations from the parishioners, including gold offerings and the sale of donated land.

On March 3, 1957, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini, then Archbishop of Milan, laid the first stone, marking the beginning of the construction. The work continued until 1961, culminating in the church's consecration on June 3, 1961, by Cardinal Montini, who would later become Pope Paul VI.

A Modern Architectural Gem

San Martino Church's architecture is a blend of modern design and functional elegance. The church is oriented from north to south and features a compact, imposing structure. Its exterior is characterized by structural prism-shaped pillars made of reinforced concrete and clad in terracotta, with ribbon windows running along the building's perimeter. The main façade, slightly recessed in the middle, boasts a large portico closed by a gate, topped by three large longitudinal windows corresponding to the entrances.

The elevated forecourt, accessed by a wide staircase, adds to the church's grandeur. On the right side of the church is the parish house with offices, while the left side houses a building for parish activities. The entire property is set within a garden, creating a peaceful and welcoming environment.

One of the notable exterior features is the fresco Amore, arte e ragione by artist Mike Ciafaloni. This artwork, located on the boundary wall facing the forecourt, carries the inscription The fruit of love is the salvation of humanity and depicts Christ nailed to a fruit tree, symbolizing human generosity. It also features San Martino, aiding the suffering people and finding harmony through generosity and sacrifice.

Inside San Martino Church

The interior of San Martino Church is as impressive as its exterior. The church's layout follows a Latin cross plan, with trapezoidal arms widening towards the center of the transept, where the main altar, made of light marble, is situated. The single large nave, with plastered and painted walls, features a floor of light Versilia marble with dark red marble squares. The rhythm of the reinforced concrete pillars, painted mustard yellow, adds to the interior's aesthetic appeal.

Around the presbytery are the sacristy and the penitentiary. The upper part of the walls features a band of laminated concrete with a wood effect, running along the entire perimeter of the liturgical hall. This band is adorned with paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross by painter Compagnone. Additionally, there are six paintings dedicated to the life of Saint Martin of Tours, created by local artist Magdalena Grandi.

The right nave houses a chapel dedicated to the Madonna, while the left nave contains statues of Saints Rita of Cascia, Anthony of Padua, Joseph, and Padre Pio, along with the urn of Blessed Carino of Balsamo. Above the entrance portal, in the upper part of the counter-façade, is a sculpture of the Risen Christ, adding a spiritual focal point to the interior.

Continual Evolution and Community Engagement

San Martino Church has undergone several modifications and renovations over the years to adapt to the changing needs of its congregation and to comply with the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council. In 1977, under the guidance of the new parish priest Don Mario Valzasina, the church's interior was reconfigured, removing side altars and the balustrade that separated the presbytery from the nave. The tabernacle was placed at the center, and a white marble staircase was added for access.

Further renovations included the replacement of the roof in 1997, the installation of new electrical and lighting systems in 1998, and the addition of a suspended ceiling for acoustic insulation. In 2020, the boiserie of the main altar was restored, and new paintings of angels by Magdalena Grandi were inaugurated behind the altar.

San Martino Church is not just a place of worship but a vibrant community hub. It hosts various events, including the notable visit of the pilgrim statue of Our Lady of Fátima in 2015, which brought together the community in prayer and reflection. The church also welcomed the pastoral visit of Archbishop Angelo Scola in 2017, further cementing its role as a spiritual and communal cornerstone in Cinisello Balsamo.

In conclusion, San Martino Church stands as a beacon of faith, community, and architectural beauty in Cinisello Balsamo. Its rich history, coupled with its modern design and ongoing community engagement, makes it a must-visit landmark for anyone exploring this charming Italian city.