Here we are at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio. This ancient Romanesque church stands in the heart of Milan. Its history is long and complex.
Commissioned by St. Ambrose himself between 379 and 386, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio was first known as Basilica Martyrum. It was built where many martyrs of Roman persecutions were buried.
St. Ambrose wanted to unite northern Italy with the papacy. He built several churches around Milan. The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio stood as a symbol of the pro-Nicene faction’s power.
Over the centuries, the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio has been restored and rebuilt. It took its current form in the 12th century. Initially, the basilica stood outside Milan’s Roman city walls. As the city grew, it became a central point of religious life.
A monastery was established within the basilica grounds in 789. The canons, however, maintained their own identity. By the 11th century, two separate monastic communities existed here. The canons followed their rule of life. The monks followed theirs. The basilica became a large landholder in northern Italy.
The two towers of the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio symbolize this division. The 9th-century Torre dei Monaci was used by the monks. It called the faithful to their mass. The canons were not allowed to ring bells until they built their tower in the 12th century.
In 1528, the Peace of St. Ambrose was signed here. It was an accord between noble and popular factions of Milan. Donato Bramante renovated the new rectory in 1492. He was the structural architect of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Allied bombings heavily damaged the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio in 1943. The apse and surrounding area were particularly affected. A new pink building was constructed to house the Abbot’s offices and museum.
The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is mainly built of brickwork. Stone and white plastering are also present. The nave dates to about 1128. The rib vaults are from around 1140.
Originally, the basilica had a central nave lighted from the clerestory. It also featured two side aisles, an apse, and an atrium. Investigations in 1864 showed that the nave and aisles match those of the original church. The atrium dates from the 9th century.
The altar sits in the same place as in St. Ambrose’s time. The columns of the ciborium over the altar have never been moved. They still rest on the original pavement.
The portico was used for catechumens and later for civil and religious meetings.
The facade has two orders of loggias. Bishops used the upper loggia to bless citizens.
The portico’s arcade is supported by pillars. The capitals are decorated with animals, human figures, and fantastic motifs.
The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio has two bell towers. The right one, dei Monaci, dates from the 9th century. The left one is higher and dates from 1144.
Inside, the basilica features a semi-circular apse. Smaller chapels are at the end of the aisles. There is no transept.
The ceiling has groin vaults supported by semi-pillars. The aisles’ spans are half the size of those in the nave. The matronei over the aisles support the vaults.
The third central span houses a 12th-century Romanesque ambon. It is built on a 9th-century one. It uses a 4th-century Roman sarcophagus as its base. This is known as the Sarcophagus of Stilicho.
The high altar was created between 824 and 859 by Volvinius. It features a golden antependium with precious stones. The altar is surmounted by a ciborium. It has four columns in red porphyry.
The apse displays a 13th-century mosaic. It depicts Christ Pantokrator with saints. Scenes from the life of St. Ambrose are also shown.
The oratory of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro predates the church. Bishop Ambrose supposedly buried his brother there. The mosaics on the walls and ceiling date from the 5th century.
The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio also houses the tomb of Emperor Louis II. The crypt contains the remains of saints Ambrose, Gervasus, and Protasus.
Legend says the Devil made two holes in a column near the church. He hit it with his horns because he could not tempt St. Ambrose. This is known as the Devil’s Column.
Royce Hall and Powell Library at UCLA are modeled after the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio.
The Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio stands as a testament to faith, art, and history. It is a must-see for anyone visiting Milan. Its blend of architectural styles and rich history offers a unique experience.