Basilica Di Sant'ambrogio, Milan: How To Reach, Best Time & Tips

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Basilica Di Sant'ambrogio Overview

The Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio was consecrated in 386 by Bishop Ambrose, who was believed to be one of the charismatic patron saints of Milan. In the 11th century, the basilica was subjected to certain restoration and was converted into the Romanesque style. The exterior of the basilica features an exceptionally large atrium, the bell towers that were built in the 10th century, and an 1181 beautiful cannon tower. The interior is fashioned with various biblical scenes and reliefs of the adoration of magi and the labour of Adam and Eve.

The Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio is widely held for its amazing medieval style of architecture and it moved ahead to a model for all the Lombard Romanesque Churches. The basilica was constructed on a grand scale over an existing cemetery and the two local martyrs provided the necessary relics.

The original church was excavated beneath the existing building. It still has its foundations intact, a marble floor, four columned Baldacchino, and a semicircular apse. It is believed that the complex was about 300 Roman feet long and 100 feet wide. At that point in time, it was built larger than any other contemporary churches in the city of Rome.

With vast historical and divine significance, it has become one of the most loved tourist places in Milan, Italy. If you are planning a trip to Italy, then make sure you visit this architectural marvel of the bygone times.

How To Reach

The distance between the Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio and the nearest Airport Milan Linate Airport is about 12 km. Check out some of the ways in which you can cover the distance:

1. By Bus:
It takes about 50 minutes to cover the distance between the basilica and the airport. You can catch the line 73 bus to reach the destination. The bus fare is in the range of 100 – 150 INR.

2, By Taxi:
It takes about 10 – 15 minutes to cover the distance by taxi. The usual fare of this trip is in the range of 2900 – 3500 INR. You can also book a town car and rental taxi services like uber to help you reach the basilica after getting down at the airport.

3. By Tram:
You can catch the line 73 bus from the airport and then get down at any of the tram stations to continue your journey in the iconic tram of Milan till the basilica. The nearest tram station is at Forlanini. It takes about 8 mins to reach the tram station from the airport. After boarding the tram, you would need to continue your ride till P.ZA Fontana. After getting down at the tram station, you can continue walking till the basilica which is at a distance of 1.8 km.

Milan is one such city in the world that still has an operative tram network which connects all the major places of tourist interest as well as other significant places of the city.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit the Basilica Di Sant’ Ambrogio is in the course of the Spring and Fall season. The climatic in this time of the year is very conducive however, the summer months receive scorching heat and winter months are densely foggy and empty.

1. Spring Season (April to May)

It is one of the most pleasant times of the year when Milan receives zillions of tourists from all over the world. You will mostly find sunny days and the temperature almost remains pleasant and you can also expect some showers as well.

2. Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn is yet another best time to visit the famous Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio and many other important heritage places around it in Milan. Frequent showers are accompanied by thunderstorms most of the time. However, it makes available for great scenic beauty all around.

3. Summer Season (June to September)

The summer season in Milan is very hot and muggy. Due to the high percentage of humidity in the air and no wind, the conditions are not that great. However, you can expect rainy weather because of the Atlantic front. Evening hours are comparatively much cooler after the rain and thunderstorms.

4. Winter Season (December to February)

The winters are basically cold, damp and grey. The temperature every so often goes below zero degree Celsius and is definitely not a great time for tourism in the city of Milan. However, you can get a glimpse of the amazing looking Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio covered with thick and dense fog.

Other Essential Information

Location: Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, 15, 20123 Milano MI, Italy

Opening Hours: 10 AM – 12 PM and 2:30 PM – 6 PM.

Entry Fee (if applicable): There is no entry fee for entering into the basilica. However, if you are interested in visiting the museum inside the basilica then you would need to pay 2 Euros per person.

Distance from Nearest Airport: The nearest airport from the Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio is Milan Linate Airport. It is located at a distance of 12 km. The distance can be covered by various public transport such as bus, train, town car, and taxi.

History of Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

The Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio happens to be one of the ancient churches in the city of Milan. Built by St. Ambrose in between 379 and 386 on the place where several martyrs of the Roman persecutions have been buried. The very first name of the structure was Basilica Martyrum but it was later changed. This church was established in the city at the time when there was an ongoing conflict between all other churches.
A never-ending tussle was going on between Arianism and Nicene Creed because of some local issues. Ambrogio solved these issues by preaching. After that he moved ahead to construct three cities - Basilica Apostolorum, Basilica Virginum, and Basilica Martyrum to make a space for his community. With his influence, the city had become one of the centres for religious belief as well as a community of canons.

The Architecture of Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

The architecture of the famous basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio is undoubtedly awe-inspiring. The structure was established by St. Ambrose who happened to be one of the firm supporters of Milan. He has preached and constructed several churches in and around the city to support this cause. The Basilica was originally constructed between 379 – 386 AD; however, it had been subjected to several renovations and restoration work up until today.

This basilica is considered to be the very first model of Romanesque architecture. The original construction had two side aisles, an apse, and an atrium. The church was being lit from the Clerestory and was mostly constructed with bricks of various origins and colours. The exteriors were finished by stone and white plastering.

Prayer Timings in Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

The prayer timings in the basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio are as follows:

Monday to Saturday: 7:30 AM to 12: 30 PM and 2:30 PM t0 7:00 PM.

Sunday: 7: 30 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

You can visit the basilica in the above timings and spend some peaceful time in the divine atmosphere.

Tips for visiting Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

1. Here are some of the traveller's tips that you should keep in mind when visiting the Basilica di Sant' Ambrogio:

2. You should not forget to spend time around the exhibition hall sighting various artefacts of the times gone by.

3. If you are visiting for the first time, then it is highly advised to take a travel guide with you so that you can have a better knowledge about the place and its associated tales.

4. You can take outside guides with you inside the Basilica di Sant’ Ambrogio.

5. You should not smoke inside the church premises. It is strictly prohibited so do keep this thing in your mind.

6. You should speak softly and avoid using mobile phones inside the premises of the basilica.

7. Photography inside the basilica is strictly prohibited.

8. It is advised to dress appropriately while visiting the sacred place. Avoid wearing revealing or short outfits.