One of the oldest churches in Milan consists the important munument of early Christianity and impotant values for every Milanese, second only to the Duomo.
The bishop Ambrose of Milan decided to erect the new church in an are where they were buried the martyrs of the Roman persecutions.
It was the church dedicated to martyrs and an important tool against rising power of Arians. When it was finished in 386 it was called initally Basilica Martyrum, later changed the name after the bishop himself was buried inside.
In the 9th century the church became the part of Benedictine monastery and underwent major renovations. Finally Benedictine monks rebuilt it at the end of 11th century in Romanesque style, and basilica obtained its present shape. Unfortunately the bombarding during the WWII damaged the sturcture of the church, but later renowations brough it back to the original form of three aisles without transept.
The earliest preserved artifacts inside of Sat’Ambrosio include 4th century apse mosaics and gold vault mosaics from 5th century in Chapel of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro.
The central part of the church is occupied by the Golden Altar, that was made by Volvinius in 9th century for the remains of Sant’Ambrogio. The reliefs depict the lives of Christ and of Ambrogio.
The interior hides quite a few remarkable painting of different styles, including the Risen Christ by Bargognone and the Legends of Saints Vittore and Satiro by Tiepolo.
Another great artist contributing to the church was Bramante, who was not able to finished his rebuilding work of monastery, but his hand one can recognise in Portico della canonica leading to the small Basilica museum.
The adjacent to the church 11th century atrium features columns with reliefs depicting the moments from the Bible. One of the columns bears two holes, signs of horns of devil, who was tempting Saint Ambrosio, as the story tells.
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
Piazza Sant’Ambrogio 15, Milano
Opened for visitors:
From Monday to Saturday from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 14.30 to 18.00
Sunday from 15.00 to 17.00
[ Photo courtesy of FelixGP ]
