The Historic Heart of Milan: A Tour of Ancient Sites and Ruins

Milan, Italy’s second-largest city and a global capital of fashion and design, also boasts a rich history dating back to its founding by the Insubres, a Celtic people, in the 7th century BC. Today, the city is a spectacular canvas displaying layers of history, with ancient ruins tucked amidst modern architecture. This blog post explores Milan’s historic heart through a tour of its most significant ancient sites and ruins.

1. Unearthing the Beginnings: Milan’s Roman Roots

Milan, known as Mediolanum in the Roman era, was a flourishing metropolis and an important military and economic center. The remnants of this glorious past are scattered throughout the city. Begin your historical journey at the Archaeological Museum of Milan, which offers a profound insight into Milan’s ancient Roman civilization. Here, artifacts and models depict the city’s layout during Roman times, including the original Roman walls that once encircled Milan.

2. The Columns of San Lorenzo: Echoes of Imperial Milan

The Columns of San Lorenzo, one of the most distinctive landmarks in Milan, date back to the 2nd century and were originally part of a Roman temple or public bath. Today, these 16 Corinthian columns stand proudly in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo, creating a surreal juxtaposition of ancient and medieval architectures. This site is a favorite gathering place for locals and tourists alike, offering a tangible connection to Milan’s imperial past.

3. The Hidden Gem: The Antiquarium Alda Levi

A short walk from the bustling streets, the Antiquarium Alda Levi offers a more intimate glimpse into ancient Milan. This small archaeological museum, housed in the foundations of a Roman tower, displays items found during excavations in and around Milan. The artifacts, including pottery, coins, and tools, narrate daily life in ancient Milan, providing a detailed portrayal of its inhabitants’ lifestyles.

4. Circo Romano: Milan’s Forgotten Arena

Explore the site of the ancient Circo Romano, located near the modern Parco delle Basiliche. While much of the structure is lost to history, the layout can still be discerned from the remaining ruins. The Circo was a venue for chariot races, akin to Rome’s Circus Maximus, and could accommodate thousands of spectators. Today, it’s a serene park, but the ground still holds the echoes of cheering Roman crowds.

5. The Baths of Hercules: Leisure in Ancient Milan

Not far from the city center are the ruins of the Baths of Hercules, an ancient Roman bath complex. These baths highlight the importance of public baths in Roman culture, serving as centers for socializing and relaxation. Although only fragments of the structure survive, recent archaeological efforts have made parts of the baths accessible to the public, offering insights into Roman architectural techniques and their approach to leisure.

6. Basilica di San Nazaro in Brolo: A Christian Legacy

The Basilica di San Nazaro in Brolo, commissioned by St. Ambrose in 382 AD, is a testament to Milan’s early Christian history. This church was built using materials repurposed from older Roman structures, evidenced by the classical columns integrated into its architecture. The basilica’s complex includes a beautiful cloister and the Trivulzio Chapel, which houses impressive frescoes and ancient relics.

7. The Medieval Castello Sforzesco: A Bridge to the Past

While predominantly medieval, the Castello Sforzesco incorporates the remnants of older structures, including parts of the fortifications that once protected Roman Mediolanum. The castle itself houses several museums, where visitors can explore collections that encompass periods from the Roman era through the Renaissance. It’s a cultural hub that connects Milan’s ancient past with its medieval growth and later Renaissance blooming.

8. Via Brisa: A Street Frozen in Time

Walking along Via Brisa, with its ancient cobblestones and surrounding architecture, feels like stepping back in time. This area, part of the Roman city, includes well-preserved sections of the Roman wall and foundations of Roman houses. It’s a quiet reminder of the city’s layered history, often missed by those rushing to Milan’s more famous attractions.

9. The Last Supper of Leonardo da Vinci: A Renaissance View on Ancient Foundations

While not ancient itself, Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, stands as a Renaissance masterpiece built upon ancient foundations. The convent is partially constructed with stones and materials salvaged from demolished Roman buildings, linking it directly to Milan’s ancient history.

10. Modern Milan and Its Ancient Core

As you wander Milan’s streets, it becomes apparent how the modern city respects and incorporates its ancient heritage. From ancient columns integrated into newer buildings to public squares revealing Roman foundations, Milan offers a seamless blend of past and present. It’s a living museum, a place where every corner tells a story.

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