Abbey of Mirasole, Segrate

On the main road before the hamlet of Opera we find the Mirasole complex: founded by the Umiliati (humbled) order at the beginning of the 13th century, this is one of the most complete examples of religious settlements based on agricultural activities of craftsmanship. When the Order was dissolved the complex was confiscated and passed firstly to the 'Collegio Elvetico' (now the 'Archivio di Stato') and since 1797 it has belonged to the 'Ospedale di Milano'. With the setting up of the 'Friends of Mirasole Association,' in 1998, restoration works began on the complex in order to turn it into a cultural centre. The abbey, strangely for a complex around Milan, has maintained the original characteristics of the original 14th century building. Inside the monastic complex we find a large agricultural courtyard. In the north-west corner we find the church dedicated to Maria Assunta containing a single nave with pannelled ceiling side by side with a beautiful 13th century belfry. At the side of the church we find some of Milan's best preserved 15th century cloisters with loggia, surrounded by low agricultural buildings and stables.