Basilica di San Simpliciano

Did the Basilica di San Simpliciano bells really cure toothaches? Legend claims they had such power. One story tells of a merchant with a throbbing toothache. He convinced the bell ringer to let him pull the ropes with his teeth. The toothache miraculously vanished, but he received a nasty knock on the head. This Basilica di San Simpliciano is a treasure tucked away in Milan’s Brera district, just a stroll from the lively Corso Garibaldi. Its history goes back to the 4th century, making it one of Milan’s oldest churches. Saint Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, commissioned the Basilica, originally called Basilica Virginum. It was built upon a former cemetery along the road to Como. Interestingly, the area had a reputation for prostitution, giving the basilica its original name. Ambrose’s successor, Saint Simpliciano, completed the church and wished to be buried there. Thus, the Basilica di San Simpliciano received its current name. Today, the brick facade reflects Milan’s Romanesque style. Inside, a small door near the apse leads to the 5th-century Chapel of San Simpliciano. Here, the remains of martyrs Sisinio, Martirio, and Alessandro rest. These missionaries traveled to Val di Non to preach the Gospel but were tragically martyred. Another fascinating story links these martyrs to the Battle of Legnano in 1176. Legend says three doves flew from the Basilica di San Simpliciano, where the martyrs’ remains were kept, and landed on the Carroccio, the Lombards’ war altar. The doves remained until the Lombards’ victory, suggesting divine intervention. Beside the Basilica di San Simpliciano stands the former convent, now home to the Theological Faculty of Northern Italy.