San Nazaro in Brolo, Basilica in Porta Romana district, Milan, Italy.
San Nazaro in Brolo is a basilica built on a Greek cross plan with apses extending from each arm of the cross. An octagonal drum rises above the crossing point and creates a visual anchor for the interior, while the overall structure reflects different building periods and architectural influences.
Saint Ambrose commissioned this church around 382 CE as a sanctuary along the ancient road connecting Milan to Rome. Over the centuries, the basilica underwent multiple rebuildings and expansions, with Renaissance masters like Bramantino adding significant new features to the structure.
The building's exterior blends layers of architectural style spanning centuries, making it a visual record of Milan's changing tastes. Walking through the interior, visitors encounter spaces designed for both prayer and the commemoration of powerful families who shaped the city.
The basilica is generally open to visitors during weekdays, though hours may shift depending on religious services. Plan your visit in the morning or early afternoon to enjoy the best natural light inside the building.
Beneath the altar rest the remains of several Apostles, which made this location a major pilgrimage destination in early Christian times. These sacred relics were one of the primary reasons the church attracted devoted pilgrims for centuries.
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