Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio

The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in Milan is one of the most significant places in the city, both from a historical and architectural point of view. Founded between 379 and 386 AD by the bishop Ambrose, the basilica was built outside the walls of the Roman city of Mediolanum, near a cemetery of Christian martyrs. Originally called Basilica Martyrum, it was dedicated to the martyrs Gervase and Protase, whose relics were found and placed by Saint Ambrose himself. The basilica has undergone numerous transformations over the centuries, but has retained its basic structure with three apsed naves and a forecourt. The current appearance of the basilica dates back largely to the 11th century, when it was rebuilt in Romanesque style. This phase of renovation maintained the original three-nave layout and added new vaults to the central nave. The side naves still retain their original vaults, while the central lantern, added in the 12th century, collapsed and was rebuilt in 1196, giving the basilica its characteristic profile with galleries of hanging arches. A distinctive feature of the basilica is the forecourt, which once housed the catechumens and now serves as a meeting place. The two bell towers of the basilica, from different eras, add further charm to the structure: the lower one, from the Carolingian era, and the taller one, known as the canons’ tower, built between 1128 and 1144. The interior of the basilica is rich in works of art and historical details. The altar of Saint Ambrose, created between 824 and 859 by Vuolvino, is a masterpiece of Carolingian goldsmithing, adorned with reliefs in gold, silver, precious stones, and enamels. The ciborium, from the Ottonian era, stands on four columns of red porphyry and features stucco reliefs on its faces. Also noteworthy is the mosaic in the apse, dating back to the 9th century, depicting the Redeemer enthroned among the martyrs Gervase and Protase and the archangels Michael and Gabriel, accompanied by scenes from the life of Saint Ambrose. A fascinating element of the basilica is the shrine of Saint Victor in golden sky, a funerary chapel from the 5th century with a vault entirely decorated with gold leaf and mosaics depicting six saints, including Saint Ambrose. This is the oldest known representation of the Milanese saint. The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio also has significant historical importance for Milan. In 1258, it was the site of the Peace of Sant’Ambrogio, which ended the internal struggles between nobles and commoners of the Commune of Milan. In medieval times, the basilica became the traditional venue for the coronation of the kings of Italy, a tradition that began in 961 with the coronation of Otto I and continued with other emperors of the Holy Roman Empire. During the Renaissance, the basilica underwent further modifications thanks to the work of Donato Bramante, who designed the cloisters and the new rectory. In the 19th century, the basilica inspired the poet Giuseppe Giusti, who described it in his poem “Sant’Ambrogio,” and in 1929 influenced the construction of Royce Hall at the University of California, Los Angeles. Damage suffered during the bombings of World War II led to an extensive restoration program in the 1950s, which restored the basilica to its former glory. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed further details about the cemetery ad martyres, with the discovery of numerous late Roman tombs.