ST. AMBROSE CHURCH, The Golden Altar

Once you reach the end of the central nave, you're at the most sacred part of the basilica, which is under the octagonal dome: there is a fence surrounding the main altar before you. Unfortunately this part of the church was rebuilt due to the damage it suffered in World War II, but it still has the same appearance as in St. Ambrose's times. At the back you'll see a huge mosaic with a gold background that has been restored several times, and in some places is more than twelve centuries old! On the right side, the Bishop's chair is made of carved wood and is from the fifteenth century.

And now you should get ready for one of the most valuable works of art in the city. Surrounded by four ancient columns of porphyry and under an opulent canopy with plaster decorations, you can admire the amazing "Golden Altar". It is one of the most important examples of European art from the time of Charlemagne between the eighth and ninth centuries AD....