San Giovanni Battista Basilica, Minor basilica in Melegnano, Italy.

San Giovanni Battista Basilica is a parish church in Melegnano organized into three naves separated by Ionic columns. The central nave is twice as wide as the side naves, and two lateral chapels were added in the early 1600s.

According to Catholic tradition, the church was one of a hundred founded by Saint Julius of Orta around 390. Originally dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, it was enlarged and rededicated to John the Baptist in the 8th century. In 1442 a cardinal's bull raised it to a prepositure and collegiate church; in 1451 Pope Martin V granted indulgences for rebuilding, completed in the early 16th century. In 1992 it became a minor basilica.

The Baptism of Christ by Bergognone, dated 1506, hangs in the sacristy, not on the central altar. The church also keeps a painting of Saint Charles Borromeo in prayer attributed to Cerano. The right nave holds the chapel of Saints Cosmas and Damian, the martyrs to whom the church was originally dedicated.

The basilica is easy to visit as it sits in central Melegnano and holds regular services. It is best to come during times when no masses are occurring so you can view the interior details without interruption.

The name San Giovanni Battista refers to John the Baptist, the church's patron saint. This connection to the biblical figure is shown in the altar painting and defines the site's meaning to this day.