Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio)
The Basics
The Basilica of Saint Ambrogio is among Milan's most important churches, along with the soaring Duomo and Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper. Many Milan city tours include a visit to all three along with other attractions like the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Pinacoteca di Brera, Sforza Castle, and Navigli canal district. A hop-on hop-off bus tour, Milan Segway tour, and bicycle-powered rickshaw tour are fun and convenient ways to see Milan's attractions in one day.
Things to Know Before You Go
The basilica was heavily bombed during World War II and has been extensively restored.
The Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio is a place of worship, so attire covering shoulders and knees is recommended.
The church is accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Milan (Milano) is the capital of Lombardy and one of the most important cities in northern Italy. It is well-connected by train to Florence, Rome, and Venice for an easy day trip, and the Basilica is located in the central Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, a short stroll west from the Duomo and served by the Sant'Ambrogio metro stop on the green line.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The basilica is open daily from 10am to 12pm and again from 2:30 to 6pm; on Sundays, it is closed to visitors in the morning.
Basilica of Sant’ Ambrogio Architecture
One of Milan's oldest churches, Sant’Ambrogio has undergone a number of renovations and embraces an eclectic mix of architectural styles. Partially rebuilt in the 11th century, the basilica has a squat Lombard facade and an atrium lined by two loggias with arches leading to the entrance; intricate Byzantine reliefs decorate the loggia capitals. Interior highlights include the apse mosaic of Christ, the paleo-Christian San Vittore in Ciel d'Oro chapel, and a number of carved pulpits and tombs, including the final resting place of Emperor Louis II. The church's entrance is flanked by two bell towers of differing heights that date from when two monastic orders were housed in the basilica, one in the northern cloister and another in the southern cloister.
- Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore)
- Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
- Bramante Sacristy (Sacrestia del Bramante)
- Leonardo’s Vineyard (Vigna di Leonardo)
- Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie)
- Da Vinci's Last Supper (Il Cenacolo)
- Columns of San Lorenzo (Colonne di San Lorenzo)
- Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
- San Sepolcro Church (Chiesa di San Sepolcro)
- Ambrosiana Museum and Library (Veneranda Biblioteca Ambrosiana)
- Codex Atlanticus
- Church of Santa Maria at San Satiro (Chiesa di Santa Maria presso San Satiro)
- Piazza Mercanti
- La Triennale Museum (La Triennale di Milano)
- Museo del Novecento
- Skip the Line for the Last Supper
- All Milan Skip the Line Tours
- Shopping in Milan
- Milan in 3 Days
- Lake Day Trips from Milan
- Romantic Things To Do in Milan
- Venice Day Trips from Milan
- Top Nightlife Experiences in Milan
- Milan Neighborhood Guide
- Top Parks and Gardens in Milan
- Swiss Alps Tours from Milan
- Milan for Art Lovers