San Nazaro in Brolo, Milan, Italy

San Nazaro in Brolo church was built by St. Ambrose starting from 382 on the road that connected Milan (then Mediolanum) to Rome. It was originally dedicated to the Apostles, and thus known as Basilica Apostolorum.

As explained by an inscription in the church written by Ambrose himself, the church's plan was on the Greek Cross with apses on the arms, a feature present only in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. In front of the basilica was a porticoed atrium. Under the basilica's altar were housed the relics of the Apostles, which are still present. In 397, when the body of St. Nazarus was discovered, a new apse was created. Serena, niece of emperor Theodosius I, donated the marbles for the sacellum housing the relics and also embellished the rest of the church.

The apse of the right arm has a portal with a false porch. The ceiling of the nave, originally consisting of wooden spans, was replaced by a groin vault during the Middle Ages. The walls are original. Also in this age the Romanesque-style octagonal tambour, featuring a circular loggia with small columns, was added over the arms' crossing.

Starting from 1512, Bramantino built the Trivulzio Mausoleum, which obstructs the Palaeo-Christian façade.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in Italy

User Reviews

keti gogishvili (17 months ago)
Basilica of San Nazaro in Brolo - is one of the oldest churches in Milan. It is the oldest Latin cross church in the history of Western art , built in this form to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus , as evidenced by an epigraph placed on the walls of the choir. Nowadays this church is closed

Sara Zare (2 years ago)
Church from the 4th century. One of the 3 remaining chapel built by Saint Ambrose, the 4th is destroyed.

Francesco Bertoni (2 years ago)
From a born and a raised milanese, this is my favourite square in Milan. Hidden from the chaotic surroundings, with a beautiful church, dense with History, although a sad History, as here the fascist movement was first proclaimed by Benito Mussolini in march 1919. I really suggest a visit to the church and the crypt, better if due reservation.

Tony Popa (4 years ago)
The basilica of San Nazaro in Brolo or San Nazaro Maggiore is a church in Milan, northern Italy. The church was built by St. Ambrose starting from 382 on the road that connected Milan (then Mediolanum) to Rome. It was originally dedicated to the Apostles, and thus known as Basilica Apostolorum.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

San Nazaro in Brolo

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle