Basilica di San Simpliciano
Basilica di San Simpliciano
4.5
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:15 AM - 12:00 PM
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 12:30 PM
4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Centro Storico
The pulsating core of Milan is in Centro. Duomo Square is enclosed by the gothic cathedral, the historic icon of Milan. However, shopping is what draws most crowds to this area. The classy and versatile Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with luxury boutiques and high quality restaurants will turn any shopping or lunch expedition into a royal experience. Head to the rooftop of the flagship La Rinascente to enjoy the view of the animated square with a panorama of the Duomo. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the street for high-end shopping. Brands of all kinds and street artists attract the attention of all visitors; while at Via Santa Radegonda 16, Luini Panzerotti is a much appreciated street food shop providing unimaginable culinary experiences. If shopping takes its toll on you, consider visiting Castello Sforzesco, a 15th century castle housing several museums. Those looking to relax can go to Parco Sempione, where nature provides respite from the energy of this dynamic and international city.
How to get there
- Lanza • 4 min walk
- Moscova • 5 min walk
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Restaurants
7,779 within 3 miles
Attractions
1,917 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
163 reviews
Excellent
80
Very good
74
Average
9
Poor
0
Terrible
0
ANGELO V
Milan, Italy4,575 contributions
Jan 2023
The "Basilica di San Simpliciano" (Basilica of Saint Simplician) is one of the early Christian churches in Milano. It was built during the late Roman empire time (4th century AD), and it was later modified during the 7th, 9th, 11th-12th century, 15th century. During the 19th century was heavily modified with heavy interventions in neoclassical and neo-Gothic style. After WW II, the church was freed from the 19th century superimpositions.
The church interior is almost bare and very luminous. In the apse, there is a fresco of the Coronation of the Virgin, a Renaissance masterpiece by Ambrogio da Fossano known as il Bergognone (1508).
Not one of the best churches in Milano, but still worth a visit.
The church interior is almost bare and very luminous. In the apse, there is a fresco of the Coronation of the Virgin, a Renaissance masterpiece by Ambrogio da Fossano known as il Bergognone (1508).
Not one of the best churches in Milano, but still worth a visit.
Written January 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WilliamWillieWilson
Nashville, TN1,622 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
This is what we love while traveling, finding a gem that has no tourists. Simpliciano is just far enough off the beaten path that you’ll see very few tourists if any. The mysterious dimly lit interior and richly dark flooring are unmistakable. A few panes of stained glass illuminate the church. Most incredibly, the structure has stood since AD 400.
Written July 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alessandro F
Milan, Italy32,415 contributions
Aug 2019
Wonderful Roman basilica started in 385 by order of Sant’Ambrogio. One of the four basilicas commissioned by the then bishop of Milan who became a saint and patron of the city
Built on an early Christian necropolis it was completed by the successor wanted by the same Ambrogio (died in 397): Simpliciano, who on his death, in 401,
he was immediately venerated as a saint and entitled this Basalica to him
Facade unchanged for centuries with its pure Romanesque style, the squat bell tower for the reduction suffered in the sixteenth century.
Immense interior, a giant hall divided by ten columns that divide it into three naves.
The two organs on the sides of the altar are beautiful with frescoes by Aurelio Luini.
In the apse the magnificent masterpiece by Ambrogio da Fossano known as il Bergognone, a fresco depicting the coronation of Mary.
Beautiful the main neoclassical altar in polychrome marbles.
On the left you enter the "little basilica" called the Sacellum of the martyrs of Anunia.
Several chapels can be admired on both side aisles, all in Baroque and Neoclassical style with beautifully painted statues and altars.
Built on an early Christian necropolis it was completed by the successor wanted by the same Ambrogio (died in 397): Simpliciano, who on his death, in 401,
he was immediately venerated as a saint and entitled this Basalica to him
Facade unchanged for centuries with its pure Romanesque style, the squat bell tower for the reduction suffered in the sixteenth century.
Immense interior, a giant hall divided by ten columns that divide it into three naves.
The two organs on the sides of the altar are beautiful with frescoes by Aurelio Luini.
In the apse the magnificent masterpiece by Ambrogio da Fossano known as il Bergognone, a fresco depicting the coronation of Mary.
Beautiful the main neoclassical altar in polychrome marbles.
On the left you enter the "little basilica" called the Sacellum of the martyrs of Anunia.
Several chapels can be admired on both side aisles, all in Baroque and Neoclassical style with beautifully painted statues and altars.
Written August 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK185,662 contributions
Oct 2019
The Basilica di San Simpliciano is a Romanesque church, in the Piazza San Simpliciano not far from the main tourist district of Milan.
The facade of the building at the front and around the sides have some interesting triple mullioned windows and decorative arches.
The inside is kept pretty dark outside of religious hours and chloral music is played, which make visiting the church very atmospheric. The two marian chapels at the transepts are especially inspiring due to the lighting on the chapel dedication and enhanced by the darkness of the interior.
The facade of the building at the front and around the sides have some interesting triple mullioned windows and decorative arches.
The inside is kept pretty dark outside of religious hours and chloral music is played, which make visiting the church very atmospheric. The two marian chapels at the transepts are especially inspiring due to the lighting on the chapel dedication and enhanced by the darkness of the interior.
Written November 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia29,079 contributions
May 2016 • Couples
It was built in 374 by St Ambrose the Bishop of Milan and it is a massive building that has worn well considering its age. It is not that imposing externally but inside its high columns and old murals in a main building and two arms are worth seeing. It closes for siesta so pick the right time.
Written May 14, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NEGATIVEDELTA
Milan, Italy33 contributions
Apr 2012
I love having a short break in my day stepping into this ancient church located in the Brera district of Milan.I warmly suggest
(whenever possible) to avoid the mass time if you really want to get into touch with that kind of flavour coming from those ancient bricks.Your loneliness will allow you hearing sth in the air,a kind of magic being revealed step by step.
(whenever possible) to avoid the mass time if you really want to get into touch with that kind of flavour coming from those ancient bricks.Your loneliness will allow you hearing sth in the air,a kind of magic being revealed step by step.
Written June 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig S
Newburgh, NY149 contributions
Jun 2023
It's a beautiful church in the Brera section. You can take a look around inside and even catch a Catholic Mass. It worked for us since they have mass at 6 pm on Saturdays.
Written June 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
differentname
Woodbridge, CT2,741 contributions
Sep 2019
....in the apse, half dome above the altar, "Coronation of the Virgin" by Ambrogio da Fossano.... and the gold shines....
This is one of the four Basilicas that St. Ambrose proposed to be built to define the four corners of Milan, during the 4th century... which is a really long time ago.
Well worth a stop. It is set back from the main road, Corso Garibaldi.
This is one of the four Basilicas that St. Ambrose proposed to be built to define the four corners of Milan, during the 4th century... which is a really long time ago.
Well worth a stop. It is set back from the main road, Corso Garibaldi.
Written October 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia D
Amherst, MA1,899 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
I wouldn’t seek it out but if you are walking by it is always nice to stop in and admire the beauty of this old church. Nice old paintings and alter area.
Written May 23, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gianlorenzo
norfolk188 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Although slightly off the beaten track, this church is quite close to the Brera Art Gallery. It is certainly worth seeking out as its austere Romanesque architecture is extraordinary and unadorned. The space inside is very simple, atmospheric and compelling.
Written November 19, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
La Basilica è visitabile tutti i giorni con orario 7:00-12:00/15:00-19:00 e la domenica con orario 7:30-12:30/16:00-19:00.
I due chiostri dovrebbero essere visitabili da lunedì al sabato dalle 8.30 alle 19.30, in quanto sede della Facoltà di Teologia; io li ho visitati in occasione del Salone del Mobile, quando sono stati sede di esposizioni.
Written November 2, 2016
Does anyone know if there is a midnight mass at Chrismas eve at this church?
thank you..
Written September 19, 2016
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