The San Simpliciano Basilica was one of the first churches to be built in Milan. The main attraction of this church, where Baroque concerts are also often held, is the large cloister. On the vault of the apse is a fresco by Bergognone.
San Simpliciano Basilica Milan
Useful information
Address: Piazza San Simpliciano , 7 – 2021 Milan. Telephone: +39 02 862274. Opening hours: From 08.00 to 12.00 and from 15.00 to 19.00. Entrance: Free of charge. The church is accessible to disabled people. To visit the cloisters, an appointment must be made with the Faculty of Theology (+39 02863181).
History and description
The San Simpliciano Basilica was commissioned by St. Ambrose in the 4th century. However, its construction was completed under his successor San Simpliciano, who is also buried in the basilica.
In the year 398, the relics of the martyrs Sisinio, Martirio and Alessandro were also placed in the church.
Over the centuries, the church often needed to be restored. In particular, the renovations in the 7th and 11th centuries caused major changes in the structure.
The large fresco that adorning the dome of the apse was painted by Bergognone and depicts the “Coronation of Mary.”
The stained glass windows depict the “Triumphs of the Carroccio”, this Carroccio being a huge cart around which the army was positioned.