Art and Culture

Milan's Duomo	Milan's Church	Milan's Basilica	La Scala Opera House & Museum	Skull Chapel
Antonio Mazzotta Foundation	Art Gallery	Leonardo Da Vinci's "Last Supper"	Sforzesco Castle	San Siro Stadium

Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
The most important testimonial to paleochristian art in Milan, it was built in the fourth century with materials taken from Roman buildings. At the end of the sixteenth century the central part was rebuilt. It is on a central plan with four squared towers and three chapels. At the front are 16 columns from the Imperial period, perhaps formerly part of a temple that was rebuilt in front of the church to form a quadruple-corniced doorway. Inside, of particular interest is the chapel of Saint Aquilino from the fourth century, which still has its original shape.

Basilica of Saint Ambrose
Together with the Duomo it is the most famous sacred building in Milan. The original basilica dates to the time of Saint Ambrose (386), was rebuilt and enlarged in the eighth and ninth centuries, and assumed its romanesque appearance between the eleventh and twelvth centuries. The facade is imposing, with two loggias, one above the other. The sides are flanked by two bell towers: the one on the right, called "dei Monaci," is from the ninth century; the one of the left, called "dei Canonici," with its lesene (fake pillars protruding from the walls) and arches, is from the twelfth century. The interior, with three naves, holds precious works of art. Those most worthy of mention are the "Sacello di San Vittore in Ciel d'Oro" (Chapel of San Vittore in the Golden Sky), which dates back to the fourth century and is covered with splendid fifth-century mosaics, and the Main Altar, the work of the master Volvinio (835), done entirely in gold, silver, enamel, and hard stone (pietra dura). From the left nave one arrives at the Canonical Doorway, that part of the basilica built by Bramante in 1492.