Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica of Saint Ambrose)

Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica of Saint Ambrose) Review

Noted for its medieval architecture, the church was consecrated by Milan's bishop, Saint Ambrose (one of the original Doctors of the Catholic Church), in AD 387. Saint Ambroeus, as he is known in Milanese dialect, is the city's patron saint, and his remains—dressed in elegant religious robes, a miter, and gloves—can be viewed inside a glass case in the crypt below the altar. Until the construction of the more imposing Duomo, this was Milan's most important church. Much restored and reworked over the centuries (the gold-and-gem-encrusted altar dates from the 9th century), Sant'Ambrogio still preserves its Romanesque characteristics (5th-century mosaics may be seen for €2). The church is often closed for weddings on Saturday.