Sixteen Roman columns and early-Christian mosaics in the lively Ticinese quarter.
IGBy Ivanka García Mancebo · Civitatis travel specialist
The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is Milan's oldest church, founded in the 4th century and built with stones salvaged from earlier Roman structures. In front of it stand 16 ancient Roman columns from the 3rd century — the most visible Roman remains in the city. Entry is free.
Quick answer
What are the opening hours of the Basilica of San Lorenzo?
Monday to Friday from 8am to 12:30pm and 3pm to 6:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm. The Roman columns outside are visible at any time.
The Roman columns and dome of San Lorenzo Maggiore
4th c.
Founded
Free
Entry
16
Roman columns
30–45 min
Time needed
The Colonne di San Lorenzo
The 16 fluted columns lined up before the basilica are the grandest surviving fragment of Roman Mediolanum. Taken from a 2nd–3rd-century building and re-erected here, they frame one of Milan's most sociable squares.
By evening the colonnade becomes an open-air meeting place, crowded with students and aperitivo-goers spilling out of the Ticinese bars.
Inside the basilica
Beyond the columns lies a building of real antiquity.
Early Christian
Chapel of Sant'Aquilino
A 4th-century octagonal chapel with rare early Byzantine mosaics of Christ and the Apostles.
The mosaics
Byzantine decoration
Among the oldest Christian mosaics in Milan, glittering with gold ground.
Beneath
Roman foundations
Below the chapel, original Roman stonework — some from an amphitheatre that once stood nearby.
The setting
The Ticinese quarter
A bohemian district leading down to the Navigli canals — great for an evening stroll.
One of Milan's main temples
The Basilica of San Lorenzo is the oldest church in Milan. It holds fourth-century mosaics, and the piazza in front is just as interesting, lined with the third-century Roman columns of ancient Mediolanum.
In our opinion, it's a church that's definitely worth visiting — and, being free, an easy one to pair with a stroll through the Ticinese quarter.
Visiting tips
The columns are always visible — the square is a lovely spot at any hour.
Step inside to see the Chapel of Sant'Aquilino's early mosaics.
Come at dusk for the lit colonnade and the Ticinese aperitivo buzz.
Walk on to the Navigli canals, a few minutes south.
Discover Roman Milan
Guided tours & Navigli experiences
See ancient Milan and the canal district on a guided walk or evening tour.
Monday to Friday from 8am to 12:30pm and 3pm to 6:30pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 1pm and 3pm to 7pm. The Roman columns outside are visible at any time.
Yes — entry is free. Open Monday to Friday 8am–12:30pm and 3–6:30pm; Saturday and Sunday 9am–1pm and 3–7pm. The columns outside are always visible.
Sixteen ancient Roman columns standing in the square in front of the basilica. They date from the 3rd century AD, taken from an earlier Roman building, and are among the most visible Roman remains in Milan.
Yes — the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is considered Milan's oldest church, founded in the 4th century and built using stones from earlier Roman structures on the site.
A 4th-century chapel adjoining the basilica, decorated with early Byzantine mosaics of Christ and the Apostles. Beneath it is a crypt with original Roman materials from an amphitheatre that once stood here.
By tram: line 3 stops at Ticinese Molino delle Armi, in front of the columns. By metro: Sant'Ambrogio (M2), about a 10-minute walk through the Ticinese quarter.
