Basilica of Santi Apostoli e Nazaro
The Basilica of San Nazaro, the most important testimony of Paleochristian art, plays a significant role as a site of devotion and adoration of the apostles' relics.
Built at the will of Bishop Ambrogio, it was already constructed in the year 386 with its characteristic Latin cross shape and a rectangular 56-metre long nave.
Where its axes meet stands the Chapel of San Nazaro, made of silver with a few golden traces, which contains the reliquary of Manlia Dedalia and the relics of the apostles John, Andrew and John.
In 1075, San Nazaro was rebuilt, after a fire, in Romanesque shapes.
The basilica's façade, which stands proudly in the square of the same name, opposite the road leading to Porta Romana, is covered with the Trivulzio Mausoleum (Gian Giacomo Trivulzio was a famous political leader involved in the quarrels over the lands of the seigniory of Milan), which was designed by Bramantino with an octagonal shape in 1512.
Founded during the 4th Century, with the original name of Basilica Apostolorum, i.e. of the apostles, it was rechristened in the year 396 with its current name, in honour of its founder, Saint Nazareth.
Only a few visible remains of it remain today, in the walls, the floor and the bases supporting the cupola base, dating back to the Paleochristian era.