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Churches: Romanesque
Churches: Romanesque
Romanesque
Churches Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
The church is mostly built in brickwork of different origins and colors, with
parts of stone and white plastering. The current Romanesque church was begun
around 1080.
It is the finest medieval building in Milan.
The nave and the aisles of the existing basilica correspond with those of the
primitive church
Next is the narthex, between atrium and church, flanked by towers.
The narthex opens to the vaulted nave and aisles at its ends.
The pulpit consists of series of arches and carved with animals and birds.
Romanesque
Churches Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
Romanesque
Iso view
Churches Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
Romanesque
Churches Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
Exterior
The hut-shaped faade has two orders of loggias: the
lower one has 3arcades of same span, which join the
portico ones, which are slightly higher. The upper loggia
was used by the bishops to bless the citizens.
Interior
The basilica has a semi-circular apse, and smaller, semi-circular chapels at the
end of the aisles; there is no transept. The interior has the same size as the
external portico.
The ceiling features groin vaults, each supported by its own semi-pillar, which, in
the lower section, become a single pillar.
The aisles' spans measure exactly half of those in the nave, and are supported by
lesser pillars. The galleries over the aisles support the vaults but
preclude clerestory windows.
The third central span, on the left, is Romanesque ambon, has nine small
columns with decorated capitals and friezes, featuring animal and human figures,
as well as vegetable and fantastic motifs. The front of the ambon is decorated by
two gilt copper reliefs, depicting the symbols of two saints, St Matthew (praying
man) and John (eagle).
Romanesque
Churches Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
The church also houses the tomb of Emperor Louis II, who died in Lombardy in
875. The crypt, located under the high altar, was built in the 9th century to
houses the remains of three saints venerated here: Ambrose, Gervasus and
Protasus.
Romanesque