San Lorenzo Maggiore, Milan
San Lorenzo Maggiore, oldest church in Milan. Photo: Ciccio Pizzettaro.
Roman columns of San Lorenzo. Photo by Andy Ciordia.
Early Christian interior of San Lorenzo. Photo by Michiel Harmsen.
View of windows and mosaiced apses. Photo by Michiel Harmsen.
5th-century mosaic of Christ in San Lorenzo. Photo by Michiel Harmsen.
Dating from the 4th century AD, the Chiesa di San Lorenzo Maggiore is the oldest church in Milan. With ancient architecture that might seem more at home in Ravenna, San Lorenzo recalls the days when Milan was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
History
The foundations of San Lorenzo were made of enormous blocks taken from other Roman sites. The interior walls were originally probably covered by marble lower down and by mosaics higher up, depicting sacred scenes and saints.
What to See
Sixteen ancient Roman columns line the front of the church, which retains its original octagonal floor plan.
Fourth-century Christian mosaics (one depicting a beardless Christ) can be seen in the Cappella di Sant'Aquilino (Chapel of St. Aquilinus).
A sarcophagus in the Chapel of St. Aquilinus is said to enshrine the remains of Galla Placidia, sister of Honorius, last emperor of Rome and wife of Ataulf, king of the Visigoths. Ironically, her mausoleum is one of the mosaic masterpieces of Ravenna, yet it is most likely she is buried in Rome where she died.
A glimpse at even earlier history can be seen by following the stairs from behind the altar to a crypt-like room that contains the remains of a Roman amphitheater. San Lorenzo's dome, the highest in Milan, is a 16th-century addition. Outside the church is a statue of Constantine, the first Christian Roman emperor. The church was restored in the 1930s.
Quick Facts
| Address: | 39 Corso di Porta Ticinese, Milan, Italy |
| Phone: | +39 0289404129 |
| Neighborhood: | Navigli-Porta Ticinese |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of San Lorenzo. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Milan Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Fodor's Italy 2005
- WGuides.com
