Temples & religious sites
Basilica of San Simpliciano
The Basilica of San Simpliciano is an ancient Roman Catholic church in the centre of Milan, region of Lombardy, Italy: the church, commissioned by the 4th century bishop St Ambrose, is the second-oldest known Christian church with a Latin cross layout. It is dedicated to Saint Simplician, who was Ambrose's successor as bishop of Milan.
What it is
San Simpliciano is a working parish church with roots in the late 4th century, commissioned by Bishop Ambrose and later dedicated to his successor, Simplician. It ranks among the oldest churches in Milan built on a Latin cross plan, and the interior still reads as a Romanesque space despite later additions, with a fresco of the Coronation of the Virgin in the apse. It's a quieter alternative to Milan's better-known religious sites, worth visiting for the layered history in the architecture rather than for any single standout artwork.
Getting there
The basilica sits in the Brera district, an easy walk of 15-20 minutes from the Duomo. From central Milan, tram or metro to the Brera/Moscova area gets you within a few minutes' walk. Flying in via Malpensa or Linate, plan on the standard airport transfer into the centre first, then walk or take local transport the rest of the way.
Time to allow
Thirty minutes to an hour covers the interior at an unhurried pace, including a look at the frescoes and the layout of the nave.
When to go
Mornings tend to be calmer. As an active parish church, it can be closed to visitors during services, so avoid planning around Sunday morning if you want unhindered access to the interior.
Combine it with
- Pinacoteca di Brera (0.3km) and the Brera Astronomical Observatory (0.3km) — both a short walk away in the same arts district.
- Sforza Castle (0.5km) for a longer historical visit.
- Parco Sempione (0.7km) if you want a break outdoors afterward.
Sources: open data from Wikipedia and OpenStreetMap · Updated August 5, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
