Trip Planner: Europe / Italy / Lombardy / Milan / Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore

Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, Milan

4.5

#17 of 237 in Historic Sites in Milan

Church · Hidden Gem · Tourist Spot

Create an itinerary including Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore

Get a sense of the city when it was the capital of the Western Roman Empire by stepping inside Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, the oldest church in Milan, dating back to the 4th century. Visit the Chapel of St. Aquilinus to view ancient Byzantine mosaics. Find the sarcophagus in the chapel said to hold the body of Galla Placidia, daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I. Follow the stairs behind the altar to see pieces of the original foundation, built with materials taken from an old Roman amphitheater. To visit Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore and other attractions in Milan, use our Milan trip maker tool.

Improve this listing »

Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore

FROM $80 BOOK WITH VIATOR Off the Beaten Track in Milan: Private City Tour Off the Beaten Track in Milan: Private City Tour

5.0

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $80 ›

FROM $121 BOOK WITH VIATOR Discover Navigli and its Secret Places Discover Navigli and its Secret Places

2.5

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $121 ›

FROM $175 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Walking Introductory Tour of Milan Private Walking Introductory Tour of Milan

Duration: 3 hours

Tours from $175 ›

FROM $139 BOOK WITH VIATOR Private Milan Tour with the Oldest Canal and Ancient Church in Navigli District Private Milan Tour with the Oldest Canal and Ancient Church in Navigli District

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Tours from $139 ›

FROM $34 BOOK WITH VIATOR Self-Guided Tour of Milan with Interactive City Game Self-Guided Tour of Milan with Interactive City Game

Duration: 2 to 4 hours

Tours from $34 ›

Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore reviews

Rate this attraction

TripAdvisor traveler rating

582 reviews

Google

4.6

By David B

This ancient church was erected in the final years of the Roman Empire, and is fronted by a colonnade of columns moved from a Roman temple. Inside restoration is going on, but for 2 euros you get...

This ancient church was erected in the final years of the Roman Empire, and is fronted by a colonnade of columns moved from a Roman temple. Inside restoration is going on, but for 2 euros you get... more »
By DoctorJohnsonNorway

Wonderful old church, from 300 AD. Located in the center of Milano, not far from The Duomo. Lots of atmosphere, magical setting and no people. Please go!

Wonderful old church, from 300 AD. Located in the center of Milano, not far from The Duomo. Lots of atmosphere, magical setting and no people. Please go! more »
By Ogi0

An interesting basilica built in the 4th century, on the Roman amphitheater (its remains can be seen under the church). The church is currently under renovation, but you can enter the adjacent small..... more

An interesting basilica built in the 4th century, on the Roman amphitheater (its remains can be seen under the church). The church is currently under renovation, but you can enter the adjacent small..... more »

See more on TripAdvisor ›

Google

By Gaelen McNamara

If you like old historical churches, then this is one to add to your list next time you're in Milan, Italy. It dates back to the late 4th century and is the oldest church in Milan. When we went in June there were only about 6 other people visiting the church at the time, so not at all crowded. The church is beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring all of it. We were definitely glad that we paid the small €2 fee to get into the Chapel of Saint Aquilino! We got to see old fragments of the original frescos and some mosaics dating back to the 4th century. From there you can access a type of crypt which had some of the original building parts. Out in front of the church are some 3rd century Roman columns. This is a gem that will not disappoint those who love old architecture!

more less
By Gabriel Bennett

Stunning beauty that is always in walking distance to enjoy. Nothing more to be said than enjoy the ancient columns and extravagant architecture of the basilica.

more less
By Julia N.

Better outside than inside. Beautiful building with ancient columns; these columns at night become a place for drinking escapades.

more less
By Saketh Reddy

The church is under renovation and the middle part of the church is closed for construction purpose. The paintings are amazing inside and I walked around the main hallway to see some nice statues and engravings

more less
By Chris Chaisson

Very nice inside but I couldn’t visit given that it was Sunday and during mass. However, I will definitely come back!

more less