Although tradition may rely on a different set of interpretations, the writings of St. Ambrose (Bishop of Milano 374-397 A.D.) contain no evidence that he was responsible for the construction of the ancient Virginum Basilica, known in Milano as the Basilica di San Simpliciano. The church does, however, date to Paleochristian times and is the best preserved of the city’s early Christian monuments, and perhaps one of the best preserved in all the Mediterranean area. This church provides undeniable proof of the Romanesque transformation. There is the majestic facade with its beautiful portal, while the interior hosts three naves of different dimensions. The church went on to be nicknamed “Basilica del Carroccio”, after the typical battle cart that would be a long-time symbol for the Milanese. A massive restructuring was performed in the 1800s, which completely covered up Paleochristian remnants, and contributed to the idea that this was originally a Romanesque church. This intervention was dismantled following WWII when restoration efforts on San Simpliciano began with an aim to recover the original architectonic and artistic heritage of the interior, a project completed in the 1980s. Today’s visitors are fascinated by the basilica’s sober architectural language, which reveals the marks of a centuries-long past within its solid, multi-layered construction.