Milan Capital of the Chirstian Roman Empire Tour

Explore Milan’s Christian and imperial past with Sant’Ambrogio, San Maurizio, Roman ruins, the Imperial Palace, Circus, and Archaeological Museum, with options to extend your journey.

Tour Features

Local Guide

Certified Official Guide

Tour Languages

English, Italian, Spanish, French, German

Duration

2.5 hours

Tour Size Options

Private

Accessibility

Fully Accesible

Itinerary

Begin at the 4th-century Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, founded by Milan’s patron saint. Explore its ancient mosaics and learn how St. Ambrose helped shape the early Church and inspired St. Augustine.
Continue to San Maurizio, famed for its breathtaking Renaissance frescoes. This former convent reveals the artistic devotion of Milan’s religious life.
Step back to Roman times with the remains of Milan’s Imperial Palace and Circus, once at the center of political and religious transformation in the empire.
Visit the museum to see artifacts from Roman Milan, including early Christian relics and remains that highlight the city’s importance as an imperial and spiritual capital.
Extend your tour to include sites such as the Duomo of Milan, San Lorenzo Maggiore, or the Crypt of San Giovanni in Conca, for a deeper encounter with Milan’s Christian legacy.

Tour Details

Full Description

Discover Milan’s sacred and imperial past on this private tour exploring the city’s role as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and a cradle of early Christianity. Guided by an expert in art, history, and Catholic heritage, you will journey through churches, ruins, and monuments that shaped both faith and empire.

Begin at the Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, one of the oldest churches in Milan, founded by the city’s patron saint and a central figure in the history of the early Church. Admire its Romanesque architecture and learn about St. Ambrose’s influence on Christianity and on St. Augustine. Continue to the Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Milan” for its dazzling Renaissance frescoes that bring the faith to life.

Next, explore the ruins of the Imperial Palace and Circus, where emperors once ruled and Christianity emerged victorious. Then, visit the Archaeological Museum, housing artifacts that reveal Milan’s Roman and early Christian heritage.

Extensions can include the Duomo of Milan, the Basilica of San Lorenzo, or the Chapel of San Satiro, offering a deeper encounter with Milan’s enduring Catholic and imperial legacy.

What is Included

Included:

Included: Private Licensed Catholic Expert Guide
Included: Entrance fees

Not included:

Not included: Meals and Drinks
Not included: Gratuities

Important Information

Duration: 2.5–3 hours (flexible upon request)
Included Sites: Basilica of Sant’Ambrogio, Church of San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, ruins of the Imperial Palace and Circus, Archaeological Museum
Highlights: Roman and early Christian Milan, St. Ambrose’s legacy, Renaissance frescoes, imperial ruins, and treasures of the Archaeological Museum
Optional Extensions: Duomo of Milan, Basilica of San Lorenzo, Chapel of San Satiro, or other significant Catholic and historical sites
Entrance Fees: Included – tickets for the Archaeological Museum and additional sites can be arranged in advance
Accessibility: Walking tour with some uneven surfaces around ruins; most churches are accessible
Dress Code: Modest attire required for entry to churches (shoulders and knees covered)
Guide: Licensed private guide with expertise in Catholic heritage and Roman history