Among the must-see monuments that you should know when visiting Milan, is the Basilica Saint Ambrose, one of the oldest churches in the city. Its history and architecture make it a great tourist attraction that you cannot miss. Come and see one of the most important churches in Italy!
The construction of this building was carried out between the years 379 and 386. It owes its name to Bishop Ambrose, who thought of using the Church to house his tomb, and that is why he promoted the construction of the temple.
The bishop himself chose the area where the church was built, because it is believed that Christians who were martyred during the Roman persecutions were buried there. Therefore, at that first moment it was called Basilica Martyrum.
Over the years, the Basilica has been modernized and new designs added to the structure.
Today, only the plan of three naves, divided by thirteen columns on each side, remains of the original construction.
Only between the years 1088 and 1099, the church began to establish the Romanesque style that is seen in its architecture.
This church is one of the most important temples of Lombard Romanesque architecture, with its long and low façade, two bell towers and a portico with red bricks. The Basilica of Saint Ambrose has two towers, the one on the right side dates from the 8th century and the left one from 1144 and stands out for being taller.
Its portico, delimited by four walls, has inside arches supported by pillars surrounded by semi-columns. While in the internal part you can find the Sarcophagus of Stilicone and the gold altar of Volvino.
When touring the interior of the temple, we come across parts decorated with precious stones, gold and Byzantine mosaics where the figure of Christ Pantocrator is represented with the martyrs Gervasio and Protasio together with the archangels Gabriel and Miguel.
But the place that stands out the most on the tour is the altar of Saint Ambrose in Milan, made of wood and covered with gold, silver gilt and jewels. This altar is a true work of art, designed between the years 824 and 859, with panels that decorate the altar where episodes from the life of Christ and tributes to biblical stories are observed.
In the garden located on the left side of the complex, one of the most striking curiosities of the place is located, the column of the devil.
Legend has it, Saint Ambrose and the devil had a strong fight, since satan wanted to convince the saint to fall into sin. Saint Ambrose, impatient, kicked the demon out of the place, and its horns were stuck in the column, creating the two holes that can be seen today in the pillar.
Furthermore, it is believed that satan created a gap to connect to hell through which he escaped. The legend is so popular that it is said that the holes smell of sulfur, and if you put your ear to the stone you can hear noises coming from hell. Do you dare to try it?
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