The historic 16 columns of San Lorenzo are one of the few Roman ruins that remain in Milan. They stand in front of the oldest church in the city, the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore, from which they take their name. The monoliths are a piece of local history and are thought to have formed part of a Roman temple or bath dating back to the 2nd century. The locals now use the colonnade as a meeting place as they are located on Corso di Porta Ticinese, which features lots of independent stores, bars and restaurants. It is interesting to note that this area was once part of the ancient Roman road which many merchants, travellers and pilgrims used to reach other parts of the Roman empire.