Funerary Monument to Gian Giacomo Medici

Following the middle nave on the right, up to the southern wing of the transept, the fine funerary monument to Gian Giacomo Medici, which dates from the middle of the 16th century, can be seen.

The altar was commissioned in 1559 by Pope Pius IV (Giovanni Angelo Medici of Marignano) in honor of his brother Gian Giacomo, mercenary leader and Marquis of Marignano (1495–1555).

The Medici Nosigia family of Milan, although of modest economic conditions, had ancient noble origins, dating back to the times of Ottone Visconti (1207-1295).

The Medici of Milan had no kinship ties with the more conspicuous Medici of Florence, who, however, will begin to call them relatives, for obvious reasons of prestige, given the fame acquired by Medeghino and his brother Pope Pius IV.

The stories and enterprises that revolve around the figure of Gian Giacomo Medici were controversial and turbulent but at the same time glorious.

Of an angry and vindictive nature, he manifested, in addition to the ferocity and brutality of his actions, a great strategic acumen that would have allowed him to become a protagonist in the political-military game of Italy in the sixteenth century.

A wing of Carrara marble is punctuated by six columns gathered under the same entablature, forming a shrine in the center in which the bronze statue of Medeghino is positioned, with the limp leg covered by the cloak.

The six columns, of oriental arabesque marble, were sent directly from Rome by Pius IV.

In the upper order of the monument there are two statues of Fame and Providence next to two candelabra, in the center the bas-relief of the Nativity surmounted by the Medici coat of arms.

The monument originally had to contain the urns with the remains of the two brothers, however in accordance with the new rules of the Council of Trent, all lay burials were removed from the cathedral by the will of San Carlo.