The 4th century Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is one of the most ancient churches in Milan. Originally known as Basilica Martyrum, because it was the burial site for many martyred saints, it took the name of the Bishop of Milan at his death.
A perfect example of Lombard Romanesque, the Basilica was built with simple materials: bricks, stone and plaster, with the dominant colours being white and red. The main building has a rectangular foursided-portico outside which, with the courtyard and surrounding portico, echoes the interior structure. The façade stands out with its pitched roof, composed of two orders of loggias, flanked by bell towers, known as “dei monaci” (belonging to the monks) and “dei canonici” (belonging to the canons). The interior has three naves, each with an apse, on a longitudinal plan. The church conserves a main altar in gold, made between 824 and 859 by Vuolvino, and a mosaic of St. Gervasius and St. Protasus, flanked by two scenes from the life of St. Ambrose, in the apsidal conch.
According to witnesses, this is where St. Augustine met the Bishop Ambrose and his conversion took place.
Fondazione Lombardia Film Commission
Via Bergamo, 7 – 20032 Cormano (MI)
Phone: +39 02 89410090
Fax: +39 02 89422766
Email: filmcom@filmcomlombardia.it
