The diocese of Milan is one of the largest in the world and is the only bishopric in the Occident to maintain its own Ambrosian liturgical rite that was introduced by S. Ambrogio, the patron saint of the city. This extensive and important diocese comprises some of the major Catholic shrines.
The first stop on this ecclesiastical itinerary is the iconic symbol of Milan, and the greatest Gothic building in Italy, the Duomo. The second is the first Western church built in the shape of a Latin cross, San Nazaro, followed by the early-Christian basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore.
Shortly afterwards we come across two of the most ancient churches in Milan, Sant’Eustorgio and Sant’Ambrogio. The latter is the most important example of Romanesque architecture in Lombardy. The itinerary then leads to two Renaissance jewels: Santa Maria delle Grazie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore. The itinerary concludes with San Marco – the cradle of the Augustinians, San Simpliciano – one of the basilicas founded by Sant’Ambrogio, and the late-Renaissance church, Santa Maria della Passione.
Duomo di Milano – Cathedral
The symbol of the city. The Late Gothic style Duomo, in pink-veined white marble with its characteristic spires and gilded Madonnina, represents Milan to the world.
San Nazaro Maggiore
Founded in the fourth century by S.Ambrogio, the Basilica of San Nazaro Maggiore was the first religious building constructed in the shape of a Latin cross made in the Catholic Western world. It houses relics of the Apostles and the body of San Nazaro.
San Lorenzo Maggiore
Even though it has been restored several times over the centuries, the magnificent early Christian basilica, dating back to the late IV – early V century, still retains its imposing monumentality.
Sant’Eustorgio
The Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio in the Porta Ticinese area – historically a crossroads for communication and commercial traffic due to the vicinity of the laghetto di Sant’Eustorgio (the current Darsena dock), is one of the oldest churches in Milan. It was constructed on the site where S. Barnaba baptized the first Christians and it is famous for the tale of the relics of the Three Kings that were once preserved herein. It also housed the Inquisition tribunal.
Sant’Ambrogio
The basilica, founded by Bishop Ambrogio in the late fourth century, was rebuilt in the Romanesque style in the eleventh century and this is the building that survives today. However, it still conserves the original composition, plus, late Roman and early Christian sculptural and epigraphic features; the inner chapel of San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro houses some splendid fifth-century mosaics.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
The Santa Maria delle Grazie church and Dominican convent is an exceptional testimony of Renaissance architecture in Milan; its history is associated with the Duca Ludovico il Moro and his sumptuous court.
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore
The church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore is often described as ‘the Sistine Chapel of Milan’ because it preserves intact one of the most beautiful and complete cycles of sixteenth-century Lombard frescoes.
San Marco
The church, whose facade originally reflected in the waters of the Martesana canal and the Inner Ring, outside the city walls, has been rebuilt several times. It is worth paying a visit inside to delve into the mysteries of Milan but, above all, to admire frescoes and paintings by Paolo Lomazzo, Procaccini, G.B. Crespi and Bernardino Campi.
San Simpliciano
The largest basilica commissioned by Sant’Ambrogio was dedicated to the virgins and was constructed in the fourth century on an area that originally belonged to the city’s pagan cemetery. Inside are the relics of Saints Martirio, Sisino, Alessandro and Simpliciano.
Santa Maria della Passione
The Basilica of Santa Maria della Passione is one of the major late-Renaissance monuments in Milan and can be considered as an authentic art gallery.