Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is considered the city’s second most important church after the Milan Cathedral. This religious building is a monument dating back to the early Christian era and a landmark of the Ambrosian Church. Along with the Basilica Prophetarum, the Basilica Apostolorum and the Basilica Virginum, this church is regarded as one of the four basilicas founded by Sant’Ambrogio, who is revered as the patron saint of Milan.

The earliest records of a church in this area date back to the late 4th century, when Milan was the capital of the Western Roman Empire. In the 11th century, the church was largely rebuilt but retained its original layout. Today the complex comprises the Monastery of Sant’Ambrogio, the Canonry of Sant’Ambrogio, the Church of San Sigismondo and the Basilica.

Visiting the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio was built between 379 and 386 at the behest of Ambrogio, Bishop of Milan, outside the city walls, in an area where several Christians martyred during Roman persecution had been buried. Initially the church was dedicated to the martyred Christians, and it would later become the burial place of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, as well as Sant’Ambrogio himself. The Basilica acquired its present name of “Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio” only between the 9th and 11th centuries.

Between 1088 and 1099 the church underwent significant restoration work but maintained its original basilica layout intact: three apsed naves without a transept and a quadriporticus forecourt. In the early medieval period, this church hosted the coronation of Kings of Italy on Epiphany Day for emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. The first emperor to be crowned here was Otto I, followed by Conrad of Lorraine, Otto IV of Brunswick, Henry VII of Luxembourg and Charles IV of Luxembourg in 1355. The basilica was also the place where new knights were invested.

Management of the Basilica had been entrusted to the Benedictines, who in 1492 commissioned Donato Bramante to design the new canonry. In 1497 the Benedictines were replaced by the Cistercians from Chiaravalle Abbey, who promoted numerous cultural initiatives, including opening the monastery library to the public.

Today the Basilica presents itself externally with a decorative relief entrance portal and two bell towers known as the “Tower of the Monks” and “Tower of the Canons”; the lower one is the “Tower of the Monks” and is inspired by St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, whilst the “Tower of the Canons” was built around the 12th century.

Inside, the building features three naves (without a transept) with an extensive women’s gallery above the side naves, three apses and a drum vault added towards the end of the 12th century. The altar of Sant’Ambrogio, created between 824 and 859 by Vuolvino, is of outstanding quality, featuring a precious golden frontal with embossed relief and gemstones set on all four sides. In addition to this, you can admire the apse basin and the Chapel of San Vittore, whose side walls are covered with a mosaic depicting Sant’Ambrogio. The crypt contains the remains of Saints Ambrogio, Gervasius and Protasius.

Opening hours for visits to the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

Opening hours for visits to the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio are:

• Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 12.00 and 14.30 to 18.00
• Sunday from 15.00 to 17.00.

How to reach the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio

The best way to reach the Basilica is by public transport.

Travelling by Metro, you can take the MM2 (green line) to Sant’Ambrogio station.

Alternatively, you can also travel on ATM bus lines no. 50 – 58 – 94.