Milan is full of fashion, history and recreational places of fun. But still there is a definite vein of religion that runs through the streets of this historical and beautiful Italian city. While you may or may not be the religious type, an understanding of the religions, religious festivals, and places of worship will help you better understand this brilliant city.

Milan’s Religious Profile

The majority of Milanese citizens are practicing Roman Catholics. Twenty three of the major churches are Christian. These include the Duomo, the San Fedele, the San Gottardo in Corte, the San Sepolcro, the San Giorgio al Palazzo, the Santa Maria presso San Satiro, the Certosa di Garegnano and the Santa Maria delle Grazie. In addition to these there is the San Maurizio, San Babila, San Lorenzo alle Colonne, the Sant’ Alessandro and scads more.

Still, Christianity, specifically Catholicism, is not the only religion in Milan. There are also strong Jewish and Muslim communities. Two of the major Jewish synagogues are the Milan Central Synagogue and the Sinagoga E. Moderna. The Islamic community can worship at the Centro Islamico di Milano e Lombardia.

Religious Ceremonies

One of the most profound rituals within the Catholic faith takes place in Milan, and that is the ritual of the Holy Nail. The celebrated nail is believed to be one of the original nails that was driven into the hands of Jesus when he was crucified. The nail is taken down from where it rests on the Santo Chiodo, or Holy Cross within the Duomo, a quintessential Milanese cathedral. The archbishop rises to the cross on a mechanically operated cloud and brings down the nail to share it with the parishioners.

A Place of Peace

Milan has also billed itself as a center for religious peace. While Milan still clings solidly to the foundations of its Roman Catholic heritage, there are clear signs that this progressive city is gaining the reputation as an accepting center for all religious belief. The goal is the ultimate achievement of “spiritual humanism,” where all of God’s creatures exist in a state of peace and unity.