Page 88 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Milan & The Lakes

86  MILAN AREA B Y AREA

6 Sant’Ambrogio

The basilica was built by Bishop Ambrogio (Ambrose) in AD 379–86 on an
Early Christian burial ground as part of a programme to reorganize the Christian
face of Milan. The church was dedicated to Ambrogio, a defender of Christianity
against Arianism, after his burial here. The Benedictines began to enlarge it in the
8th century, then in the following century Archbishop Anspert built the atrium,
which was rebuilt in the 12th century. In the 11th century, reconstruction of
the entire church began. The dome collapsed in 1196, and the
vaults and pulpit were rebuilt. In 1492 the Sforza family asked
Bramante to restructure the rectory and the Bene dictine
monastery. Sadly, the basilica was badly damaged by
bombs in 1943.

The Capitals
The columns are
enlivened by Bible
stories and fantastic
animals symbolizing the
struggle between Good
and Evil. Some date from
the 11th century.

The Interior
The solemn proportions typical of
Lombard-Romanesque style characterize
the interior. The nave is covered by ribbed
cross vaulting supported by massive piers.

086-087_EW_Milan.indd 86 16/10/14 1:45 PM
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm