Basilica of San Babila

The Basilica of San Babila, located in the heart of Milan, represents one of the oldest and most important places of worship in the city. Its history dates back to the 5th century, when Archbishop Marolo brought the relics of San Babila from Antioch. On the site of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to the Sun, the original church was built, known as the Basilica Concilia Sanctorum. In 1095, the current church was built in a Romanesque style. During the 16th century, the basilica was expanded with the addition of a new Baroque facade, while still preserving original medieval elements. The complex underwent numerous restoration interventions, especially in the 19th century, with the aim of restoring its medieval appearance. In 1906, architect Paolo Cesa Bianchi designed the current neo-Romanesque facade, a work that still fascinates for its grandeur and sophistication. The interior of the basilica, which features a central nave and two side aisles, houses several chapels of remarkable artistic interest. The right side chapel, built in the 16th century, houses an altarpiece depicting Saint Francis of Assisi, a work by Giuseppe Bertini. The left side chapel, dating back to the early decades of the 17th century, houses an altarpiece depicting Saint Joseph, created by Ludovico Pogliaghi, also known for creating the main door of the Milan Cathedral. The basilica is also famous for its pipe organ, built by Zanin in 2008, inspired by German Baroque organs, and used for both liturgies and concerts. This instrument represents a significant element not only from a musical point of view, but also for the spiritual atmosphere it helps create during celebrations. Among the interior decorations, the chapel of the Addolorata stands out, rebuilt in 1951 and adorned with an altarpiece by Augusto Colombo. Another work of notable value is the baptistery, built in 1937 according to the design of architect Alfonso Orombelli, characterized by a bronze altarpiece depicting the baptism of Jesus Christ, a work by sculptor Fausto Melotti. The basilica has also witnessed the celebration of important historical events. For example, the famous Italian writer Alessandro Manzoni was baptized here in March 1785, an anecdote that adds further prestige to this place of worship. The location of the Basilica of San Babila, situated in the square of the same name, has always played a central role in the urban life of Milan. The square itself, which has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, became an important road junction since Roman times, and continues to be a crucial reference point in the urban fabric of the city. The facade of the basilica, with its three doors surmounted by lunettes with mosaics, including the central mosaic depicting “Christ blessing with the book of the Gospels” on a golden background, is a magnificent example of neo-Romanesque architecture and attracts visitors from around the world. The exterior, with its lion on top of a nineteenth-century column, symbol of the neighborhood, adds another element of interest and historical significance. In the artistic context, the Basilica of San Babila represents a crossroads of different styles and epochs, ranging from Romanesque to Baroque, to modern renovations. This mixture of historical and artistic elements makes a visit to the basilica a rich and varied experience, capable of offering insights not only for art and history enthusiasts, but also for the curious and the faithful who find in this place a spiritual reference point.