Basilica of Sant Ambrogio

Basilica of Sant Ambrogio

The Basilica of St. Ambrose was consecrated in 387 by the saint who gave it its name. During the XI century it was rebuilt in Lombard Romanesque style and became the model for all the churches that were later built in the same style.

The Basilica of St. Ambrose presents a rare exterior appearance composed of two brick towers of different heights and a huge atrium, almost as large as the church, in which you can see some archaeological fragments.

Below the pulpit is the Sarcophagus of Stilicho, a masterpiece of the fourteenth century composed of detailed religious reliefs.

In the crypt of the basilica are exposed the skeletons of Sant Ambrogio, San Gervasio and San Protasio dressed in their finest galas.

At the end of the southern nave is the Sacello di San Vittore, a chapel formerly the first basilica. When the site was still a cemetery, a small structure was built in honor of the local martyr St. Victor. During the construction of the basilica, this structure was added to the temple.

Although during the course of the war it suffered great damage, the Basilica of Sant Ambrogio is a temple that perfectly preserves its old and striking aspect, making it part of our recommended churches in Milan.