Basilica of San Lorenzo, Milan Church

Address: Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore, Piazza San Lorenzo, 20123 Milan, Italy

Website: http://www.basilicasanlorenzo.mi.it/

Hours: Generally open to visitors during daytime; check parish for service times

Admission: Basilica access free; guided visits for the Romanesque crypt and archaeological areas may have small fees

The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is an early Christian basilica in central Milan with a surviving ancient core and later medieval and post-medieval additions. It is one of the city’s oldest churches and occupies a central urban site near other Roman and medieval remains.

The church is frequently visited for its architectural history and for the well-known line of ancient Roman columns that stand in the square in front of it. The interior preserves layers of building phases from late antiquity through the Middle Ages and later restorations.

The basilica is in Milan’s historic centre, within walking distance of the Duomo and other central Roman and medieval monuments.

• Antiquity of foundation: The church is one of Milan’s oldest Christian foundations, with an early Christian core that survives within later reconstructions.
• Notable exterior feature: The row of sixteen Roman columns in front of the basilica is a conspicuous urban landmark and an easily accessible viewpoint for visitors.

What to See#

• Colonne di San Lorenzo: The Colonne di San Lorenzo stand in front of the basilica and consist of a line of sixteen ancient Roman columns that date to antiquity and frame the church’s piazza.
• Basilica interior and core structure: The basilica building preserves an early Christian core and later medieval and Baroque additions visible in the church interior and plan.

From Milano Centrale or Duomo, take tram 3 or walk approximately 15-20 minutes west from the Duomo. The basilica is close to the Colonne di San Lorenzo tram stop.

• Enter through the ancient facade to see the 4th-6th century Roman and Early Christian remnants beneath the basilica.
• Visit during an organ recital or liturgical service to hear the space's extraordinary acoustics.
• Inspect the columns - many are recycled Roman marble with carved capitals that predate the church itself.