Temples & religious sites
San Nazaro in Brolo
What it is
San Nazaro in Brolo is one of Milan's oldest church foundations, originally built in the late 4th century by Bishop Ambrose (later canonized as Saint Ambrose) as a martyrium for holy relics, making it older than the more famous Sant'Ambrogio. The current building is largely a Romanesque reconstruction after fire damage, with a distinctive octagonal Cappella Trivulzio added at the entrance in the 16th century as a mausoleum for the Trivulzio family. Inside, look for Bernardino Lanino's fresco cycle and the tombs set into the chapel's walls. It's a place for anyone interested in Milan's early Christian and medieval history away from the cathedral crowds.
Getting there
The church sits just south of the historic centre on Corso di Porta Romana, an easy 15-20 minute walk from the Duomo. It's also reachable by metro (Missori or Crocetta stations on the M3 yellow line) followed by a short walk. Visitors arriving via Malpensa (MXP) or Linate (LIN) airport should first get into central Milan, then continue on foot or by metro.
Time to allow
A visit typically takes 20-30 minutes, mostly spent in the Trivulzio chapel and the main nave.
When to go
Mornings tend to be quieter, and the church sees far fewer visitors than Milan's major landmarks, so crowding isn't usually a concern. It's an active place of worship, so be mindful during services.
Combine with
- Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore (0.4km) - a short walk away, another historic Milanese church.
- San Bernardino alle Ossa (0.5km) - known for its ossuary chapel, easily paired on foot.
- Santa Maria presso San Satiro (0.6km) - notable for Bramante's trompe-l'oeil apse.
- Museo del Novecento (0.6km) - a change of pace with 20th-century Italian art, near the Duomo.
Updated September 20, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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