ST. AMBROSE CHURCH, Exterior

You can also enter the basilica from the back, next to the great portal of the Catholic University, but I suggest entering from the front by going down a few steps and using the portico before the façade.

Before entering the portico, you'll see a white, Roman, marble column on your left: according to an ancient legend, its round holes were caused by the Devil's horns, as he was furious for not being able to make the incorruptible St. Ambrose commit any sins. It is said that even today the holes smell of sulfur, and that if you place your ear against the marble you can hear the sounds of hell!

Now you are in the so-called quadriporticus, the entrance courtyard where an atmosphere of peace and piety reigns. In ancient times this area was reserved to the pagans who aspired to convert to Christianity and would gather here waiting to be baptized. When they began to baptize the faithful from birth after 1000, this place became the seat of religious and political assemblies. If you look at the top of the columns, you'll see that the capitals are carved with figures of monsters and fantastic animals....