Basilica di San Simpliciano
Basilica di San Simpliciano
4.5
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Centro Storico
The pulsating core of Milan is in Centro. Duomo Square is enclosed by the gothic cathedral, the historic icon of Milan. However, shopping is what draws most crowds to this area. The classy and versatile Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with luxury boutiques and high quality restaurants will turn any shopping or lunch expedition into a royal experience. Head to the rooftop of the flagship La Rinascente to enjoy the view of the animated square with a panorama of the Duomo. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the street for high-end shopping. Brands of all kinds and street artists attract the attention of all visitors; while at Via Santa Radegonda 16, Luini Panzerotti is a much appreciated street food shop providing unimaginable culinary experiences. If shopping takes its toll on you, consider visiting Castello Sforzesco, a 15th century castle housing several museums. Those looking to relax can go to Parco Sempione, where nature provides respite from the energy of this dynamic and international city.
How to get there
- Lanza • 4 min walk
- Moscova • 5 min walk
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Restaurants
7,800 within 5 kms
Attractions
2,088 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
164 reviews
Excellent
81
Very good
74
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
0
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Stefano91
Milan, Italy92,797 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
A couple of days ago, we revisited this very ancient early Christian basilica, one of the four founded by Saint Ambrose in the 4th century AD, when Mediolanum was the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
Then it was dedicated, according to the custom of the time, not to a single Saint, but to a category of Saints: this was dedicated to the Virgins. He then took the name of Simpliciano, who was Ambrose's successor after his death.
It has undergone numerous changes over the centuries and was brought back to the Romanesque style in the 19th century.
The façade is beautiful and austere, just as the interior is austere, with three naves of equal height. Inside is the tomb of three holy martyrs Sisinnio, Martirio and Alessandro, three monks sent by Ambrose to evangelise the Trentino region of Anuania (now Val di Non), still pagan, and who were martyred there.
In peacetime, the Carroccio, the chariot surmounted by an altar that accompanied the Milanese municipal militias into battle, was preserved in the Basilica.
At the end of the victorious battle of Legnano against Barbarossa, three doves landed on the Carroccio and were identified with the three Martyrs.
The sixteenth-century fresco by Bergognone on the ceiling of the apse is also beautiful.
In this period there is also a beautiful nativity scene
Absolutely worth seeing!
Then it was dedicated, according to the custom of the time, not to a single Saint, but to a category of Saints: this was dedicated to the Virgins. He then took the name of Simpliciano, who was Ambrose's successor after his death.
It has undergone numerous changes over the centuries and was brought back to the Romanesque style in the 19th century.
The façade is beautiful and austere, just as the interior is austere, with three naves of equal height. Inside is the tomb of three holy martyrs Sisinnio, Martirio and Alessandro, three monks sent by Ambrose to evangelise the Trentino region of Anuania (now Val di Non), still pagan, and who were martyred there.
In peacetime, the Carroccio, the chariot surmounted by an altar that accompanied the Milanese municipal militias into battle, was preserved in the Basilica.
At the end of the victorious battle of Legnano against Barbarossa, three doves landed on the Carroccio and were identified with the three Martyrs.
The sixteenth-century fresco by Bergognone on the ceiling of the apse is also beautiful.
In this period there is also a beautiful nativity scene
Absolutely worth seeing!
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
salvatore700
Magenta, Italy9,376 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Of early Christian origin, it currently has a neo-Romanesque façade. Interior with three naves separated by columns and arches, cross vault with ribs. The naves are illuminated by large round lancet windows with modern polychrome windows. In the apse basin, the Renaissance fresco of the Coronation of the Virgin by Bergognone. Along the side naves various chapels with baroque, rococo and neoclassical decorations; particular stained glass windows with the history of the Carroccio.
Written 17 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fi_decorso
Milan, Italy68,722 contributions
Sept 2024 • Solo
Being in Corso Garibaldi again this morning I did not miss the opportunity to visit this ancient basilica founded by Sant'Ambrogio, bishop of Milan and patron saint of the city, and completed by his successor San Simpliciano, whose bas-relief effigy goes unnoticed in the left aisle. The architecture is remarkable, the result of the interventions that have taken place over the centuries, the numerous works of art are admirable, starting of course with the magnificent fresco by Bergognone (Coronation of the Virgin) that shines in the basin of the apse.
Absolutely worth visiting if you are in the vicinity, such as during the classic tour in the Brera district.
For more descriptive notes and other photos see my reviews from December 2021 to previous years.
Absolutely worth visiting if you are in the vicinity, such as during the classic tour in the Brera district.
For more descriptive notes and other photos see my reviews from December 2021 to previous years.
Automatically translated
Written 21 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GAage
Viby J, Denmark6,373 contributions
Mar 2024 • Solo
The basilica is from the 4th century, but, like all other churches, has undergone numerous reconstructions and renovations over the centuries. The interior of the church is a hall with 2 aisles. The main altar was erected in 1839; on the sides two marble statues depicting Sant'Ambrogio and Carlo Borromeo. The church is worth a visit.
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Giovanni Longo
331 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Splendid early Christian basilica, founded by Saint Ambrose and initially dedicated to the "Virgins". The fresco of the "Coronation of the Virgin" is wonderful, which Bergognone painted in 1515. The Sacello is evocative. And much more
Written 14 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandro F
Milan, Italy32,564 contributions
Aug 2019
Wonderful Roman basilica started in 385 by order of Sant’Ambrogio. One of the four basilicas commissioned by the then bishop of Milan who became a saint and patron of the city
Built on an early Christian necropolis it was completed by the successor wanted by the same Ambrogio (died in 397): Simpliciano, who on his death, in 401,
he was immediately venerated as a saint and entitled this Basalica to him
Facade unchanged for centuries with its pure Romanesque style, the squat bell tower for the reduction suffered in the sixteenth century.
Immense interior, a giant hall divided by ten columns that divide it into three naves.
The two organs on the sides of the altar are beautiful with frescoes by Aurelio Luini.
In the apse the magnificent masterpiece by Ambrogio da Fossano known as il Bergognone, a fresco depicting the coronation of Mary.
Beautiful the main neoclassical altar in polychrome marbles.
On the left you enter the "little basilica" called the Sacellum of the martyrs of Anunia.
Several chapels can be admired on both side aisles, all in Baroque and Neoclassical style with beautifully painted statues and altars.
Built on an early Christian necropolis it was completed by the successor wanted by the same Ambrogio (died in 397): Simpliciano, who on his death, in 401,
he was immediately venerated as a saint and entitled this Basalica to him
Facade unchanged for centuries with its pure Romanesque style, the squat bell tower for the reduction suffered in the sixteenth century.
Immense interior, a giant hall divided by ten columns that divide it into three naves.
The two organs on the sides of the altar are beautiful with frescoes by Aurelio Luini.
In the apse the magnificent masterpiece by Ambrogio da Fossano known as il Bergognone, a fresco depicting the coronation of Mary.
Beautiful the main neoclassical altar in polychrome marbles.
On the left you enter the "little basilica" called the Sacellum of the martyrs of Anunia.
Several chapels can be admired on both side aisles, all in Baroque and Neoclassical style with beautifully painted statues and altars.
Written 23 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK1,86,657 contributions
Oct 2019
The Basilica di San Simpliciano is a Romanesque church, in the Piazza San Simpliciano not far from the main tourist district of Milan.
The facade of the building at the front and around the sides have some interesting triple mullioned windows and decorative arches.
The inside is kept pretty dark outside of religious hours and chloral music is played, which make visiting the church very atmospheric. The two marian chapels at the transepts are especially inspiring due to the lighting on the chapel dedication and enhanced by the darkness of the interior.
The facade of the building at the front and around the sides have some interesting triple mullioned windows and decorative arches.
The inside is kept pretty dark outside of religious hours and chloral music is played, which make visiting the church very atmospheric. The two marian chapels at the transepts are especially inspiring due to the lighting on the chapel dedication and enhanced by the darkness of the interior.
Written 2 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia29,084 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
It was built in 374 by St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan and it is a massive building that has worn well considering its age. It is not that imposing externally but inside its high columns and old murals in a main building and two arms are worth seeing. It closes for siesta so pick the right time.
Written 14 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NEGATIVEDELTA
Milan, Italy33 contributions
Apr 2012
I love having a short break in my day stepping into this ancient church located in the Brera district of Milan.I warmly suggest
(whenever possible) to avoid the mass time if you really want to get into touch with that kind of flavour coming from those ancient bricks.Your loneliness will allow you hearing sth in the air,a kind of magic being revealed step by step.
(whenever possible) to avoid the mass time if you really want to get into touch with that kind of flavour coming from those ancient bricks.Your loneliness will allow you hearing sth in the air,a kind of magic being revealed step by step.
Written 18 June 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig S
Newburgh, NY149 contributions
Jun 2023
It's a beautiful church in the Brera section. You can take a look around inside and even catch a Catholic Mass. It worked for us since they have mass at 6 pm on Saturdays.
Written 27 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
La Basilica è visitabile tutti i giorni con orario 7:00-12:00/15:00-19:00 e la domenica con orario 7:30-12:30/16:00-19:00.
I due chiostri dovrebbero essere visitabili da lunedì al sabato dalle 8.30 alle 19.30, in quanto sede della Facoltà di Teologia; io li ho visitati in occasione del Salone del Mobile, quando sono stati sede di esposizioni.
Written 2 November 2016
Does anyone know if there is a midnight mass at Chrismas eve at this church?
thank you..
Written 19 September 2016
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