Milan Sant'Ambrogio
A fine example
of the Romanesque-Lombard churches, it was founded between 379 and 386 by
Sant’Ambrogio, patron Saint of Milan, as a basilica dedicated to Christian
martyrs. Sant’Ambrogio himself was buried there in 397.
The exterior of
the church consists of an atrium, called Ansperto’s Atrium, with porticos on
three sides, while the fourth is partly integrated in the façade. Underneath
the portico are preserved architectonic fragments from the original
construction.
It is worthwhile
mentioning the two bell-towers flanking the façade, Campanile dei Monaci and
Campanile dei Canonici.
In the interior
of the Basilica, one of the most interesting works is represented by the
famous Altare d’Oro, a masterpiece of Carolingian gold craftsmanship dating
back to 836.
Outside the
atrium, in the Piazza taking its name after the city’s patron Saint, it is
possible to admire the Tempio della Vittoria, an imposing octagonal marble
building conceived in honour of the soldiers killed during the First World
War.
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Courtesy of Welcome to Milan - By the Town Turist Office
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