Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica of St. Ambrose), Milan
Saint Ambrose, Milan's patron saint and one-time superstar bishop, is buried in the crypt of this red-brick cathedral, which he founded in 379 CE. It's a fitting legacy, built and rebuilt with a purposeful simplicity that is truly uplifting: the seminal Lombard Romanesque basilica, considered to be one of the most ancient churches in Italy and one of the most historically interesting medieval buildings in Lombardy.
Over the years, the cathedral has undergone several restorations and partial reconstructions, culminating in its current appearance in the 12th century. The structure is adorned with two bell towers: the right one, called dei Monaci ("of the Monks"), dates back to the 9th century, and exudes a defensive severity typical of such structures. The left tower, higher than the former, was constructed in 1144, with the last two floors added in 1889.
As you step inside, you will be greeted by shimmering altar mosaics and a biographical golden altarpiece that once clad the saint's sarcophagus. The shadowy vaulted interior of the cathedral is brilliantly illuminated by these stunning artworks, taking visitors on a journey back in time to a bygone era.
Why You Should Visit:
The impressive architecture is best to be seen from afar and you won't be disappointed at entering. You won't find fancy, elaborate gilded decorations but will be able to see 6th-century columns, a 4th-century mosaic, a 10-century ciborium, medieval statues, Renaissance frescoes and a magnificent golden altar from the year 835.
Over the years, the cathedral has undergone several restorations and partial reconstructions, culminating in its current appearance in the 12th century. The structure is adorned with two bell towers: the right one, called dei Monaci ("of the Monks"), dates back to the 9th century, and exudes a defensive severity typical of such structures. The left tower, higher than the former, was constructed in 1144, with the last two floors added in 1889.
As you step inside, you will be greeted by shimmering altar mosaics and a biographical golden altarpiece that once clad the saint's sarcophagus. The shadowy vaulted interior of the cathedral is brilliantly illuminated by these stunning artworks, taking visitors on a journey back in time to a bygone era.
Why You Should Visit:
The impressive architecture is best to be seen from afar and you won't be disappointed at entering. You won't find fancy, elaborate gilded decorations but will be able to see 6th-century columns, a 4th-century mosaic, a 10-century ciborium, medieval statues, Renaissance frescoes and a magnificent golden altar from the year 835.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Milan. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica of St. Ambrose) on Map
Sight Name: Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica of St. Ambrose)
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Milan, Italy (See walking tours in Milan)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Milan, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Milan
Creating your own self-guided walk in Milan is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Milan may well be a world fashion capital and one of the financial capitals of Europe, but religion, and particularly churches, are an inseparable part of the Milanese life. Indeed, steeped in history, this city has garnered over the centuries a wealth of iconic places of worship.
Among these, the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) stands as a symbol of grandeur and faith. This magnificent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Among these, the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano) stands as a symbol of grandeur and faith. This magnificent... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.1 Km or 1.9 Miles
Historic Center Walking Tour
Contained within the area once delimited by the medieval walls, the Centro Storico (historic center) of Milan encompasses the city's perhaps most famous landmarks and tourist attractions. Compact in size, the area is easily distinguishable on the map much as walkable. Here you can find almost everything Milan is famous for, in a close proximity to each other.
The best place to start is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
The best place to start is... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Leonardo da Vinci's Masterpieces
Leonardo da Vinci, one of the greatest Renaissance artists and polymaths in history, left an indelible mark on Milan through several of his masterpieces created in this city over the nearly 20 years that he spent here.
One of the notable places where you can explore the maestro's work is the Ambrosian Library (Biblioteca Ambrosiana), which houses a vast collection of his drawings and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
One of the notable places where you can explore the maestro's work is the Ambrosian Library (Biblioteca Ambrosiana), which houses a vast collection of his drawings and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Milan Introduction Walking Tour
Recognized as one of the world's four fashion capitals, Milan is also a global hub of design and a key tourist destination. The etymology of the name Milan remains uncertain. One theory holds that the Latin name Mediolanum comes from the Latin words medio (in the middle) and planus (plain).
In 286 the Roman Emperor Diocletian moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Rome to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
In 286 the Roman Emperor Diocletian moved the capital of the Western Roman Empire from Rome to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Best Shopping Streets and Malls
One of the world's four fashion capitals and, as of lately, that of industrial design as well, Milan is renowned internationally as a top shopping destination, where fashion is the second religion. In a city as rich as this one, dedicated to art and pleasure, there's no shortage of options for those accustomed to upscale shopping and favoring bargains.
Amid the plethora of places to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Amid the plethora of places to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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Sweet Shops of Milan
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