San Lorenzo Basilica

Basilica in Milan

Milano - Basilica San Lorenzo — CC BY-SA 3.0 / Blackcat

The Basilica of San Lorenzo, established during the fourth century, holds the distinction of being the oldest church in Milan. Dedicated to San Lorenzo, the church is constructed using enormous blocks that were sourced from other Roman sites.

Inside, the church is adorned with marble and features remarkable mosaics. One of the standout attractions within the church is the Chapel of Saint Aquilino, which boasts fourth-century Byzantine mosaics and is connected to the main church.

Visitors can access a type of crypt from the Cappella di Sant’Aquilino, where they can view some of the original materials used to construct the church, all of which were extracted from a Roman amphitheatre in the area.

In the square situated in front of the church, you’ll find the Colonne di San Lorenzo (Columns of St. Lawrence), sixteen columns dating back to the third century and hailing from ancient Milan, the Roman city of Mediolanum.

Within the church’s courtyard, a copy of a bronze statue of Constantine the Great, the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity, is on display.

The Basilica of San Lorenzo is a must-visit in Milan, not only for its historical significance as the city’s oldest church but also for its captivating fourth-century mosaics. Additionally, the square in front of the church with its ancient columns adds to the overall appeal of this historical site.

The San Lorenzo Basilica appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Milan!

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