Columns of San Lorenzo

The columns of San Lorenzo are one of the few finds that testify to the ancient history of the city. Milan played a very important role in the Western Roman Empire of which it was also the capital in the period between 286 and 402 AD. The capitals and columns come from two different buildings from the Roman era and were first placed to complete the patio of the basilica of San Lorenzo, completed at the beginning of the 5th century. The current arrangement, however, dates back to the Middle Ages, between the 11th and 12th centuries. Between the two world wars, the public houses that had arisen between the colonnade and the basilica were demolished, outlining the current appearance of the square. Today "Le Colonne", as the Milanese call them, are a vital crossroads of the city as well as a renowned evening and night meeting place.

Place for youth gathering

The columns of San Lorenzo are an ancient construction of the late Roman period in Milan located in front of the basilica of the same name near the medieval Ticinese gate. They represent one of the rare surviving finds of imperial Milan.