|
Oh bei oh bei...the city of Milan prises its Patron Saint
“OH BEI! OH BEI!“ is an ancient exclamation which gave name to the fair of Sant’Ambrogio; this is an exclamation of joy and surprise used while people pointed at the items displayed on the stalls. The Ambrose's Feast day is a pleasant occasion to meet people and celebrate the Patron Saint of Milan.
The Basilica of Saint Ambrose - Milan Patron Saint
The Basilica was founded between 379 and 386 by bishop Ambrogio and called Basilica Martirum (but commonly called “Ambrosiana”). This basilica is the most important example of Lombard-Romanic style but its history is characterized by several restorations which have almost erased the original building that hosts the relic of martyrs Gervasio, Protasio and Ambrogio.
Important elements were added by Archbishop Angilberto II (824-859) who commissioned a golden altar to preserve the relics; Ansperto (869-881) decided to build a porticoed atrium in front of the main entrance; Federico Borromeo (1595-1631) added baroque decorations to the presbytery and Benedetto Erba Odescalchi (1712-1736) transformed the ancient crypt.
Inside the Basilica there are some important works of art such as: the late roman style sarcophagus called “di Stilicone”, the golden altar by Volvino, the XI-X century ciborium, the wood carved choir.
Tthere are also important decorations and masonry work made by great artists such as Donato Bramante the famous architect from Urbino who, in 1492 during the domain of the Sforza seigniory, projected the new rectory, rebuilt the monastery and restored the church’s chapels.
Furthermore, inside the Basilica there are important paintings by: Borgognone, Bernardino Luini, Gaudenzio Ferrari, the Legnanino, Filippo Abbiati, Carlo Francesco Nuvolone, Francesco Cairo e Gian Battista Tiepolo.
"Oh Bei! Oh Bei!" The Ambrose's Feast Day
The Ambrose's Feast day is a mix of religion, popular traditions and culture and represents an important event for the city of Milan.
Every year the people of Milan commemorate the patron saint through the Mass celebrated in Sant’Ambrogio Basilica by the Archbishop of Milan following a ritual that has not changed in centuries. The city, through its political and economical delegates, pay homage to this Patron Saint.
The starting point of the Oh bei! Oh Bei! Fair is 1886 and this popular tradition is heartily loved by the city of Milan, but the origins of this fair go back as far as 1288 when the fair was celebrated near the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The fair takes place every year from the 7th till the 8th of December and is famous for the presence of numerous colourful and scented stalls.
It is possible to find toys, traditional cakes and sweets, antiques and all sorts of trifles.
For the children it is a sort of wonderland and the right occasion to be spoiled by parents and grandparents…after all Christmas is near at hand!
|
