Colonne di San Lorenzo

Colonne di San Lorenzo (2).jpg
Colonne di San Lorenzo (2).jpg
Colonne di San Lorenzo (1).jpg
30 Corso di Porta Ticinese Milano Lombardia 20123 IT

When visiting Milan, you may stumble upon an ancient relic that stands as a testament to the city’s rich history: the Colonne di San Lorenzo. This article will take you on a journey through time, exploring the historical and architectural significance of these columns and their surrounding area. So, let’s embark on this adventure together and uncover the secrets of the Colonne di San Lorenzo!

History of Colonne di San Lorenzo

The Colonne di San Lorenzo date back to the late 2nd to early 3rd century AD, during the Roman Empire. They were originally part of a larger complex that included a bathhouse and a basilica. The columns were moved to their current location in the 4th century AD to make way for the construction of the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore.

During the Middle Ages, the columns served as a gathering place for various events, including markets and religious processions. They also played a crucial role in defining the city’s layout, as they marked the southern boundary of Milan.

Restoration and modern times

Over the centuries, the Colonne di San Lorenzo suffered from weathering and pollution. In the 1930s, a restoration project was undertaken to preserve these ancient treasures. Today, the site is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Architectural Features

Corinthian columns: The Colonne di San Lorenzo is a row of 16 marble Corinthian columns, standing around 8 meters tall. They are intricately carved and topped with ornate capitals, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of Roman sculptors.

Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore Adjacent to the columns, you’ll find the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore, a historic church that dates back to the 4th century AD. Its unique blend of architectural styles, from Romanesque to Baroque, is a testament to the city’s diverse history.

Archi di Porta Ticinese: Close by, the Archi di Porta Ticinese is another notable architectural feature. These triumphal arches, dating back to the 16th century, once served as a gateway into the city.

Cultural Significance

The Colonne di San Lorenzo has been a vital part of Milanese culture for centuries. It has served as a gathering place for various events and continues to be a popular spot for socializing, particularly during the warmer months.

Surrounding Area

Parco delle Basiliche: Located nearby is the Parco delle Basiliche, a green oasis in the heart of Milan. The park is home to the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore and the Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio, two of the city’s most important religious sites. The park offers a tranquil respite from the bustling streets of Milan, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of the Colonne di San Lorenzo.

Navigli district:  The Navigli district, famous for its picturesque canals and vibrant nightlife, is also within walking distance of the Colonne di San Lorenzo. The area is a popular destination for dining, shopping, and enjoying aperitivo, the Italian tradition of pre-dinner drinks and appetizers.

Corso di Porta Ticinese: Corso di Porta Ticinese is a lively shopping street located near the Colonne di San Lorenzo. The street is home to an array of boutiques, antique shops, and trendy bars, offering a unique shopping experience for visitors and locals alike.

Nightlife and Events

The area surrounding the Colonne di San Lorenzo is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants catering to different tastes. In the summer months, the square in front of the columns comes alive with outdoor events and live music performances, drawing crowds from all over the city.

Visiting Colonne di San Lorenzo

How to get there:  The Colonne di San Lorenzo is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest metro station is Sant’Ambrogio (Line M2), a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, you can take tram 3 or 9, which stop directly in front of the columns.

When to visit: The site is open to the public 24/7 and is particularly enchanting in the evening when the columns are illuminated. The best time to visit is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor events are held in the area.

Guided tours: While it is possible to explore the Colonne di San Lorenzo independently, guided tours can provide valuable insight into the history and significance of the site. Several companies offer walking tours that include the Colonne di San Lorenzo and other nearby attractions.

Other Attractions Nearby

In addition to the Colonne di San Lorenzo, Milan offers a wealth of cultural and historical attractions. Some notable sites nearby include the iconic Cathedral of Milan (Duomo di Milano), the historic Sforza Castle, and the renowned Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore (8).jpg
0.08 km
Traces of Roman and Paleo-Christian architecture are still clearly recognizable in the structure of this church located on Corso di Porta Ticinese. The square in front of the church is domin[…]
Palazzo Durini (9).jpg
0.3 km
Palazzo Durini’s story begins with the Durini family, an aristocratic lineage with deep roots in Milan’s social and political fabric. The family’s prominence can be traced […]
Francesco Messina Museum (2).jpg
0.31 km
This is a very original type of museum: it displays the works of the sculptor Francesco Messina. It is something new on the order of museums because here we find a museum-studio where Messin[…]
Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio.jpg
0.47 km
This church is, after St. Ambrogio, the most noteworthy medieval Milanese edifice. It rises in the square of same name in the modestly picturesque neighborhood of Porta Ticinese. It was star[…]
Palazzo Borromeo (4).jpg
0.58 km
The rather plain façade of this 15th century mansion is interesting for its Gothic entrance. Its pointed arch is accented with two colors of cut stone and by three marble borders decorated w[…]
Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio  (13).jpg
0.62 km
This Basilica, which stands in the square bearing the same name, reflects sixteen centuries of history. It is the queen and mother of Lombard churches. This Paleo-Christian building was star[…]
Church of San Sepolcro (1).jpg
0.63 km
It has been remodeled many times since its founding in 1030; the faÇade however, has been restored to its primitive Lombard style. A vast crypt, that extends the length of the church, is use[…]
Santa Maria presso San Celso (4).jpg
0.67 km
Built between 1490 and 1570; the shelves of the sacristy are full of valuable objects. […]
The Ambrosian Library and its Art Gallery (2).jpg
Founded bv Cardinal Federico Borromeo in 1609 and built by Fabio Mangone and Francesco Maria Richini, the Ambrosian Library is one of the most remarkable demonstrations of the great Federico[…]
Santa Maria presso San Satiro (5).jpg
0.73 km
This church stands on Via Torino close to the Piazza del Duomo. The original building was erected at the time of Archishop Ansperto (10th century). Of this, only the chapel (Cappella della P[…]
The church of San Gottardo in Corte (5).jpg
0.78 km
The construction of the church which is incorporated into the Royal Palace (the entrance is from via Pecorari) began in the first half of the 14th century. Azzone Visconti had it built as a […]
San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore (3).jpg
0.83 km
The church is at 15 Corso Magenta. It was consecrated in 1519. It belonged to a convent of Benedictine nuns called “Maggiore” because it was the largest and most important in the[…]
Loggia degli Osii (2).jpg
0.87 km
The Loggia of the Osii was built by Matteo Visconti in 1316. It was restored in 1904 and the deformations of the XVIIth. and XVIIIth. centuries were removed. The façade, with two superimpose[…]
Piazza Mercanti (5).jpg
0.88 km
Between the Piazza Mercanti and Via Mercanti – just west of the Duomo – there is a group of buildings that splendidy illustrates the development of Milanese architecture from the[…]
Palazzo Litta (4).jpg
Also known as “Palazzo Arese”, it was enlarged by the Litta family in 1700. The architect B.Bolla was commissioned to work over Richini’s original construction (1648). It i[…]
The Basilica of San Nazaro Maggiore (4).jpg
0.92 km
Founded in the 4th century, it was rebuilt in Romanesque style after the fire of 1705; the Chapel of San Lino contains important 10th century frescos. […]
The Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology (6).jpg
This museum, which has no egual in Italy, was founded by the engineer Guido Uccelli. It was inaugurated in 1953 with the great exhibition held for the Vth centenary of Leonardo’s birth[…]
0.96 km
The palace stands in the rectangular square on the southern side of the cathedral; it is a wide building with a Neoclassical front and two lateral wings. It is of ancient origin and during i[…]
Palazzo Crivelli (3).JPG
0.96 km
There are two Andalusian style balconies and a portal with granite doorposts. Its style is typical of the 17th century It has well preserved architectural frescos in perspective on the groun[…]
123.jpg
0.97 km
This magnificent square is said to be the minor of Milan and the Milanese. In fact its citizens pour in and out of it at every hour of the day; whether it is ablaze with sun-light or full of[…]
Showing 1 - 20 of 77 results
Colonne di San Lorenzo (2).jpg 5 years ago
  • You must to post comments
Colonne di San Lorenzo (1).jpg 5 years ago
  • You must to post comments
Showing 2 results