Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica of St Ambrose), Northwest Milan

4th-century basilica founded by Saint Ambrose

Updated 5 August 2016

About

One of the most important religious buildings, dedicated to Milan's patron saint, Saint Ambrose, who founded this Roman Basilica. It is bright and well rebuilt and has a wonderful golden dome with thousands of mosaics. Saint Ambrose is buried here in the crypt.

Among the oldest churches in Milan, this basilica was built between 379 and 386, dedicated to the martyrs. It was erected in an area where many of them had been buried, victims of the Roman persecutions. Initially, it was outside of the city and in 789 a monastery of canons was established within the basilica grounds sharing the space with a group of monks, each of whom had their own cloister and bell tower.

It has undergone several restorations, and its current image owes more to the Romanesque style of the late 11th and early 12th century than to its Paleochristian origins. The building, rebuilt between 1080 and 1128 with a vault, is mostly composed of red brick with parts in stone and white plaster, with a large atrium in front.

Inside, the beautiful interior takes you back to the spirituality of the Middle Ages. There are medieval carved capitals, a marble ambo (pulpit) from the 12th century for Gospel readings as well as many other artworks.

Worth knowing

Perhaps the most striking feature in this church is the decoration of the altar. The so-called Altare d'Oro boasts a baldachin supported by four Roman columns under which the 9th-century gold altar still remains. It is said that bishop Angilberto moved the relics of Saint Ambrose to a sepulchre in the 9th century, which was then covered with the precious altar by artist Vuolvinio in the year 835. In the 19th century, the relics of Ambrose and the martyrs Gervasio and Protasio were taken to the crypt inside a silver urn.

Watch out for

The apse displays a beautiful medieval golden mosaic depicting Christ and scenes of the life of Saint Ambrose. Older mosaics can be seen in the oratory of San Vittore in Ciel d'Oro, built in the 4th century with 5th-century mosaics that include the earliest portrait of Sain Ambrose.

There is also a Roman sarcophagus in the church, under the pulpit, which is said to belong to Stilicho, one of Theodosius most famous generals and has been dated in the late 4th century. It is covered with beautiful carvings of Biblical themes.

Visitor comments

"A beautiful Romanesque church with a Renaissance portico by Bramante. It's simple, peaceful and quite beautiful in its own way. Basilica is located a little off the beaten track, but it is easy to get there either by tram and/or by metro, the church is closed at around noon." - Trip Advisor
"This is a fascinating church - much more interesting than the Duomo. There are two campaniles because there were rival groups of clerics sharing the premises. Strongly recommended for anyone with an interest in churches." - Trip Advisor
"The site dates back to the 4th century and an arch and some columns are still there. It was rebuilt by Benedictine monks in the 10th and 12th centuries and damaged in WWII. There are many features of interest including the golden altar and a very old stone pulpit. Worth a visit." - Trip Advisor