Eustorgio e la sua basilica: un incrocio tra storia e leggenda sulle origini cristiane di Mediolanum

The Basilica of St. Eustorgio preserves significant testimonies of its ancient foundation: structural remains, burials and inscriptions, but it is also tightly related to some legendary traditions that are very important and beloved to the Milanese church. According to these legendary traditions, the meetings of the early Christian community and the first baptisms took place in surroundings: the basilica wad the burial place of the bishops Eustorgio, Magno and Eugenio, defender of the Ambrosian rite and it also housed the remains of the Three Wise Men. This essay focuses on the colossal late-antique sarcophagus in Prokonnesos marble placed in the church, which, before preserving the alleged relics of the Magi, hosted the remains of Eustorgio. The imposingness of this memorial became an instrument for the enhancement of the burial, a starting point for hagiographic narrations and an opportunity to promote devotion to the holy bishop.