Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

About Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, a famous and centuries-old church, is a historical landmark and a spiritual place for tourists in Milan. It dates back to 4th century and is known for its association with St. Ambrose, the bishop of Milan and a Christian leader renowned for his writings. St. Ambrose is buried in the cathedral. The saint’s tomb beautifully reflects early Christian art. 

The red-brick facade and the overall architecture are based on the Romanesque style. The church houses a museum that displays religious artifacts. If you want some time away from the city’s hustle and bustle, head to this spiritual and historical basilica and explore the Romanesque architecture and the museum. There’s a lot to explore in this serene place. Plus, when you are done exploring, check out the nearby restaurants to sample Milanese specials. 

The basilica, featuring a red brick facade with two bell towers and an atrium about the same size as the church, is a perfect place for history buffs. In addition to the archeological remains, the crypt in this church has the remains of St. Gervasus, St. Protasus, and St. Ambrose. Each wall and stone of this basilica tells ancient stories. 

This is the very place where Christian leaders, politicians, and emperors walked. Inside the church, you will see the famous frescoes from the 4th century and the Golden Altar. Witness the Milanese culture and its resilience in this church, which has been standing intact for over 1600 years now. The church isn’t just for spiritual trips. Instead, the museum, the architecture, and the crypt mainly make it a fascinating tourist attraction.

History of Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio has a history dating back to the 4th century when one of the most prominent figures of Christianity—St. Ambrose—decided to build a place for martyrs. Before it was a church, the basilica was a place where martyrs who shed their blood for religious purposes were buried. The place later became a spiritual center. Over the centuries, this worship place has gone through several transformations. 

A simple structure turned into an awe-inspiring Romanesque architecture, which served as the perfect church model for the churches built later. The church has also witnessed political events, including emperors getting crowned within the basilica. It also experienced substantial damage during World War II, but the church stood intact. Today, it serves as a spiritual and historical place. 

Tips for your visit to Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

Are you ready to discover the history of this hidden gem? Check out these handy tips.

• Don’t forget to visit the crypt, as that’s where the tomb of St. Ambrose is located.
• Located 0.79 miles away from this church is Milan’s famous Duomo. Pay a visit to this Gothic cathedral.
• The church remains open from 10 AM to 12 PM and 2:30 PM to 6 PM from Monday to Saturday. The opening hours for tourists might vary if there are special events organized in the church.
• To avoid the crowd, visit the basilica in the morning hours. 
• There’s no dress code, but dressing modestly is highly recommended since it’s a place of worship. Wear something that covers your shoulders and knees.
• Take your time to explore the cloister, crypt, and museum. It’s the little intricate details that make this basilica a magnificent beauty in Milan. 
• Join the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio guided tours to understand the history and explore each corner. 
• Photography is allowed, so you can bring your cameras. 
• Make sure you don’t capture the pictures of the areas where photography is restricted.

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio Tickets

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is free for all tourists. There’s no entrance fee nor are you charged to visit the crypt and explore the artifacts in the museum. However, certain corners of the basilica might involve a specific fee. You might be charged a fee if you have booked a guided tour. To get more idea about the fee, visit Basilica’s official website.

How to Arrive at Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

Reaching Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio won’t take much time, as there’s a direct stop right in front of the church. Tram, metro, and bus lines are available. Here are some fastest ways to get here.

Metro: Line 5 has a stop at Sant’Ambrogio Station. The church is only a few minute walk away from here.

Buses: Currently, bus lines 50, 58 and 94 serve this area. Get off at the Sant’Ambrogio stop and walk to the basilica. 

Tram: Enjoy the historical vibe of Milan in a tram. Take Line 2 or 14 for Sant’Ambrogio stop.

On Foot: If you want to save money on travel, consider walking to the church. It’s roughly a 15-minute walk from Duomo and Sforza castle. 

You can also drive to the church, but parking is hard to find, plus it can be expensive.