The Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
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- Published on Wednesday, 23 March 2011 12:27
A building rich in both history and spirituality, the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio has been described as a casket of sacred art. The Basilica represents, along with its Cathedral, the very focal point of Milan’s religious life.
The Basilica has long been a destination for pilgrims and visitors.
The stunning cloister that precedes the entrance into the church, is comprised of columns with delicately sculpted capitals. It provides an apt introduction to the intensely reflective and meditative atmosphere of the Basilica. The Basilica has two bell towers: The oldest is the one located on the right, known as the Torre dei Monaci (the Monk’s Tower), and dates all the way back to the 9th century. The more beautiful tower on the left is the Torre dei Canonici (the Priest’s Tower), and dates back to 1128.
Similarities in design have been noted with the belfry of the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi. Throughout most of its history, the basilica was served both by monks and canons, who did not always get along. The communities each had their own cloister as well as their own tower.
The basilica’s façade has the typical Lombard Romanesque triangular pediment, and it consists of two orders.
As the name would suggest, the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is dedicated to Saint Ambrose, bishop of Milan. It is an exquisite example of Lombard Romanesque architecture. Originally completed in 386, it was a typically Palaeo-Christian structure. The basilica’s original name was Basilica Martyrum, chosen by Saint Ambrose himself.
Modified drastically during the Middle Ages, today the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio comprises of three naves. The ceiling has a ribbed vault, with large columns whose functionality is to transfer the weight of the Basilica’s roof onto the foundations.
The lateral naves represent a great deal of art and history, with chapels containing extensive decorations, both on the walls and Vaults.
But visitors are inevitably drawn to the focal point of the Basilica, the Ciborium. The Ciborium is a decorative canopy with beautiful Byzantine Lombard stucco work, and supported by four Ancient Roman columns. The canopy highlights the Golden Altar just underneath, a true masterpiece of Carolingian gold work.
THE GOLDEN ALTAR
The Golden Altar was made by Volvinio, and was donated to the church in 830 by the Archbishop Angilberto II. The altar takes on the form of a sarcophagus and is sheltered by the ciborium or baldacchino, comprised of four ancient columns and decorated with exquisite 10th-century stucco reliefs.
The front face of the one facing the nave depicts Christ giving the Book of the Law to St. Paul (left) and the Keys of the Kingdom to St. Peter in gold, and on the sides, appropriately, numerous scenes from the life of Saint Ambrose in Silver. The altar serves a second function of providing cladding for a porphyry sarcophagus containing the bodies of Saints Ambrose, Gervasio and Protasio.
THE CRYPT OF SAINT AMBROSE
One of the most peculiar and fascinating sights in the Basilica of St. Ambrose are the remains of Saint Ambrose himself. His body is located deep in the basilica’s crypt, along with the bodies of Saints Gervasius and Protasius. Saint Ambrose’s skeleton has been glazed with a special protective coating and he is dressed in full bishop’s finery, with a white mitre and slippers.
Saints Gervasius and Protasius were both 3rd-century martyrs whose bodies were disinterred by Saint Ambrose for the altar of his new basilica. They were originally both buried in the nearby Chapel of Saints Nabore and Felice, which no longer exists.
The basilica’s crypt was built in the late 10th century as part of the east end renovations of the basilica.
THE SARCOPHAGUS OF STILICHONE
Not only is the Sarcophagus of Stilichone a magnificent example of early Christian art, but it is also one of the few surviving elements from the original basilica. The sarcophagus stands in the same place it has been since it was carved and placed in the basilica in 385. Furthermore, the sarcophagus was carved during Saint Ambrose’s lifetime and it is believed that some of the themes were suggested by Ambrose himself. The name of the sarcophagus however dates only as far back as the 18th century, and is based on the mistaken belief that the sarcophagus was made for Stilichone, an important military general who died in the service of the Emperor Honorius in 408.
SACELLO DI SAN VITTORE
This chapel at the end of the south aisle actually outdates the basilica. It was originally built (when the site was still a cemetery) as a monument to honor St. Victor who was a local martyr. Saint Ambrose renovated the chapel and built his basilica right next to it. It was not until later renovations during the 11th century that the Martyrium would become part of the actual basilica. The Martyrium is covered in exquisite gold mosaics dating back to the 5th century and contains a portrait of Saint Ambrose made shortly after his death in 397, so is believed to reflect the saints true appearance.