Basilica San Simpliciano

There are no historical facts to support that Sent Ambrose founded this church in the 4^th century. However, according to the popular belief, he is believed to have commissioned the construction on one of the road intersections that led to the Alps, which connected the city of Milan with Rezia (Latin Reatia, an ancient alpine region populated by people called Reti).
Sent Ambrose is assumed to have started the work which was later finished by Sent Simpliciano, his successor, who was buried in the church.
The church is significant since unlike any other church in Milan it still has most of its original walls.

Interesting facts

• In the 17^th century, the bell tower was lowered by 25 meters. The Spanish governor Ferrante Gonzaga had it lowered because he believed it was inappropriate that this bell tower literally towered over the Sforza Castle where he lived.
• The legend has it that , on May  29^th, while 1176 Milanese people were fighting against the troops of Frederick I (known as Frederick Barbarossa the emperor of Germany) three martyrs buried in this church turned into pigeons and flew to the battlefield. The Milanese people got encouraged by this sign believing that God was on their side, so they closed ranks and eventually won the battle.