The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio is the second most important church in Milan after Milan Cathedral (the Duomo).

A church, which was named Basilica Martyrum, was built on the site between 379 and 386. This church was founded by St Ambrose (Sant'Ambrogio), the patron saint of Milan, when he was Bishop of Milan.

The church underwent many modifications, and it was rebuilt as a Romanesque basilica in the 11th century.

There is a columned cloister in front of the basilica's entrance.

Two bell towers of uneven height- Monks' Tower, on the right which was built in the 9th century, and Priests' Tower, on the left which was built in the early 12th century - lie on either side of the entrance. Priests' Tower is the higher of the two towers.

The Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio in Milan is full of masterpieces of medieval art.

One of these is the Sarcophagus of Stilicho, which was built in the 4th century and is one of the surviving remnants of the original church. Despite the name (Stilicho was a 4th century Roman general), nobody is sure who is entombed in the sarcophagus.

A mosaic of Christ can be seen on the apse.

Some of the writings of St Ambrose are illustrated in reliefs that cover a large, marble, 12th century ambo.

A golden altar, that is shaped like a sarcophagus, illustrates scenes from the lives of Christ and Saint Ambrose.

The remains of Saint Ambrose, Saint Protase and Saint Gervase can be found in the basilica's crypt

There are mosaics depicting these three saints on the ceiling of the Chapel of San Vittore. This chapel was built before Saint Ambrose built his church. When the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio was renovated in the 11th century, the Chapel of San Vittore, which had been next to to the 4th century church, was added to the basilica.