Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio Milan

Visit the 'Basilica of Saint Ambrose' in Milan

The Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio is an ancient basilica in Milan, founded by the patron saint of the city, Saint Ambrose of Milan.

An old church in Milan: the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio

The original church was built in the fourth century by Saint Ambrose. He was patron saint of Milan. Since then it has been rebuilt and restored several times, but the church as you can see it today is mainly from the twelfth century. However, work was still carried out on the church after Milan became a victim of bombing in the Second World War. It is now one of the oldest churches in Milan, but the basilica used to be outside the city borders. Due to the gigantic growth of the city, the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio has swallowed the space around it, making the church now part of Milan city center.

^{The Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio}

^{The sober interior of the Sant'Ambrogio}

The beauty of the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

The church especially appeals to the imagination because of the open courtyard with the colonnade along the sides. Inside, the basilica is not lavishly decorated with colors and paintings. The mosaic in the chapel does attract attention; the gold, red, white and blue contrast strongly with the other decorative elements. The mosaic was also damaged during the bombings, but the damage to the basilica has been fully restored.

Legend of Saint Ambrose

It is said that the devil wanted to seduce Saint Ambrose, but that he did not want to cooperate. As a result, the devil has been kicked in the butt, with his horns drilled into the white marble column to the left of the basilica's entrance. Two holes have been left as evidence in the Colonna del Diavolo.

Tip: Also take a look at the 'Tempio della Vittora', which you will find 200 meters behind the basilica. This is a huge 1928 war memorial in honor of the First World War victims. It is possible to enter this special monument with three floors below.

^{The Sant'Ambrogio is not very impressive from the outside}

^{Also visit the nearby war memorial Tempio della Vittoria}

Where is the Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio in Milan?