The most beautiful places in Milan. Open left menu Milan. Archaeological site, Milan
Milan is an incredible city with a rich history and unique architecture. His diversity is especially surprising. This is the capital of world fashion, the financial heart of Italy, and medieval cultural monuments. The sights of Milan will not leave anyone indifferent. The city remembers and honors its centuries-old history, but at the same time looks confidently into the future. Millions of tourists visit it every year, and everyone finds here something that will resonate in their soul. It's worth coming here once, and you'll want to come back again and again. Our route around the city included the most delightful and popular places: from the Duomo to the Naviglio Grande canal. We'll tell you where to go and what to see first.
The Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, or Duomo (that is, “Cathedral”), as the Milanese call it, stands in the very center. As expected, all the ancient roads of the city lead to the temple - this is clearly visible on any map of the city or from above, from the roof of the cathedral. There is no person in the world who has never heard of this amazing structure.
The construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 14th century on the site of ancient Celtic sanctuaries, but most of the work to complete the construction of the facade was carried out already in the 19th century by Amati by order of Napoleon. The facade is decorated with spiers, columns, towers and sculptures. The most majestic is the 4-meter bronze figure of the Virgin Mary, elevated on a hundred-meter spire above the city.
Inside, stained glass windows from the 15th century, skillful paintings, an unusually realistic sculpture of St. Bartholomew, tombstones of saints and the main treasure of the temple, stored above the altar, are preserved - a nail from the crucifixion of Christ. There is an entrance fee to the cathedral. If you are going to take photographs inside the temple, then you need to buy a special bracelet. The three-level roof of the Duomo is the best observation deck in the city. You can get to the roof by stairs or elevator.
Duomo Square
Cathedral Square is the heart of the city. The most important attractions are collected there, it is always lively and very beautiful. The square dates back to the 14th century. The order for its founding was given by an important dignitary, Azone Visconte. The buildings located along the perimeter were built according to the designs of the most famous architects. In the second half of the 19th century, the square underwent a large-scale restoration, which was carried out by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni.
The main building is the Milan Cathedral, which defines the atmosphere of this place. It was built from the end of the 14th century to the beginning of the 19th century. The tall spire of the building is crowned with a gilded sculpture of the Madonna. Next to the cathedral, the Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II attracts attention. This is one of the very first shopping galleries to appear in Europe. Opposite is a majestic and discreet building - the Royal Palace. But this is not the only palazzo on the square. Here you can find buildings from different eras - the Archbishop's Palace, Palazzo del Orologio, Palazzo Carminati.
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II
It is named after the king of the united state of Italy. Emmanuele II was personally present at the opening of the passage in 1877. The architect D. Mengoni, who designed the building, died a little before this grandiose event, having died from a fall from scaffolding. This building, the pride of citizens, has been attracting tourists for centuries. different ends Sveta. The gallery was built in the shape of a Latin cross. It has four exits, each of which represents a continent (not counting Australia).
The roof of the building is made in an innovative style for that century - a luxurious glass dome framed with iron. In the center of the gallery on the floor is a mosaic of the Italian coat of arms with the image of a bull. It is believed that if you step on his groin with your heel and spin 3 times, you will inevitably become lucky and rich. This passage has long been a constant venue for fashion shows, concerts and exhibitions.
We recommend unusual excursions from local residents in Russian:for 1-2 people or € 35 per person if there are more of you)
Monument to Leonardo da Vinci
Walking straight through the gallery, you will find yourself near La Scala Theatre. But more on that a little later. And in the middle of the square you entered, stands the majestic monument to Leonardo da Vinci. Da Vinci is one of the most amazing and unimaginably talented figures given to the world by the 15th century. He excelled in many types of art and various sciences: from painting to anatomy.
Leonardo even wrote notes in his diaries in mirror image (without a mirror, of course). Like any genius, he had followers. The monument consists of several figures. On the pedestal is a sculpture of the scientist himself, at its base are his most famous students: C. de Sesto, D. Boltraffio, A. Salaino and M. d'Oggiono.
La Scala Theater
As promised earlier, we return to the world famous La Scala opera house. Many people mistakenly believe that it got its name from the Italian word Scala (“stairs”). In fact, it was built on the site of the church of Santa Maria della Scala, hence the name. The theater was designed by the architect D. Piermarine. The building itself looks rather nondescript compared to other Italian buildings, and Piermarine had his own reasons for this.
Firstly, it was urged on by the Milanese aristocrats who sponsored the construction, and secondly, the building was located surrounded by ordinary residential buildings. So the designer decided not to spend extra time and budget on creating the façade. Thanks to this decision, La Scala was rebuilt in an unprecedentedly fast time - 2 years. Despite its inconspicuous appearance, inside the building greets its visitors with rich decoration and amazing acoustics. Right in this place the glory began: Salieri, Verdi, Puccini and other now recognized composers.
Mercanti Square
From La Scala, head along Via Santa Margherita past the Palace of the Legal Consultants and you will arrive at Piazza Mercanti. In the old days, you could go to the square from 6 passages, each of which was called by the guild of craftsmen located on them, for example, the street of jewelers. This place is not included in the mandatory tourist routes, and guides often avoid the square. But attentive tourists will definitely find time to explore this medieval pearl of Milan.
Mercanti Square is small; significant city events took place there - meetings of the merchants' guild, court hearings, and so on. When visiting it, you should pay attention to the Palace of Lawyers, built in the Renaissance style popular at that time. Another masterpiece of architecture is the Palazzo della Ragione, built in the Middle Ages. Justice used to be administered here. Opposite the palazzo, attention is drawn to the Scuole Palatine, created in the first half of the 17th century. This square traditionally houses a book market, where you can even find rare publications.
Cordusio Square
Once you pass Piazza Cordusio you will find yourself at the beginning of Via Dante. The unique elliptical square was created at the end of the 19th century. The three buildings whose facades overlook it have a surprising concave shape, which gives an interesting outline to the square. Six roads intersect at this point. Starting your tourist route from here, you can easily get to the most significant places in the city. Cordusio is often referred to as the "Banks Square" and is home to the headquarters of major financial institutions.
The square got its name from the words Curia Ducis, which translates as the Ducal Court. The court building was built here by the king of the Lombard tribe. Another interesting fact from the history of Cordusio is that it was here in 1893 that the first tram running on electricity was launched. This type of transport interested the townspeople so much that on the very first day of its operation almost 10 thousand tickets were sold. The tram has survived to this day and can be seen in the Science Museum.
Via Dante
To feel the atmosphere of the ancient city, travelers can stroll along Via Dante - one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets. It received its name in honor of the famous poet Dante Alighieri. More recently, tram rails were laid along it and public transport traveled along it, but then the authorities gave the street to the disposal of pedestrians. The houses on it were built in XVIII-XIX centuries, they are perfectly preserved.
The city authorities made another wise decision by banning all new buildings on Via Dante. Thanks to this, the street has been preserved as it was several centuries ago. Now tourists can not only enjoy walking along ancient city, but also go to one of the theaters located on Via Dante. The Piccolo Theater (Little Theater) is especially interesting. It was awarded the title of Theater of Europe. The first play that was staged there was “At the Lower Depths” by Maxim Gorky.
Monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi
From Dante Street, you will go straight to Piazza Cairoli, where you will find the monument to D. Garibaldi. He was the greatest commander who fought for justice and is now a national hero of Italy. Throughout his life, Giuseppe, as a true patriot, fought a war for the unification of Italy, torn between strife and occupiers. Ironically, one of the streets adjacent to the square is named after the conqueror of Italy - Bonaparte. However, it comes up against the monument to the liberator - Giuseppe Garibaldi. From here you can see the next attraction, to which we will move on.
Sforza Castle
To many of our compatriots, the castle resembles the Kremlin, located in Moscow. The towers and battlements are similar. This is not surprising, since it was the Sforza Castle that served as the prototype for the creation of the Kremlin. The castle was built in the 14th century by Duke Visconti. He was not the owner of this building for long. The Duke was overthrown during the uprising, and power passed to Francesco Sforza. The castle was damaged quite badly, and Sforza set about restoring it.
His descendants continued to improve the structure and decorated it with rich decorations. Russian history also influenced the castle. It was stormed by Suvorov's soldiers during the Italian campaign. Many events left their mark on the appearance of the building - the arrival of Napoleon, the capture by Austrian troops, the Second World War. Now it has been completely restored and is available for tourists to visit. Now on the territory of the castle there is one of the most popular museums, which all travelers consider it their duty to visit. Here art lovers enjoy masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and other masters of the Italian school.
Sempione Park
Among the stone buildings of the city in the immediate vicinity of the Sforzesco Castle are the green lungs of the city - Sempione Park. It was developed by the Italian Alemanya relatively recently - at the end of the 19th century. The park has been preserved in its original form and occupies a significant area - almost 50 hectares. This favorite place The city's residents' walks attract visitors with its amazing beauty. An extensive water system of ponds and streams, well-groomed lawns, great amount Blooming roses, fountains and sculptures make Sempione Park very popular.
The ponds are home to ducks, swans, and turtles. There are also areas for active recreation. There are bicycle tracks and playgrounds for children. Those who like to play football and frisbee will also find a place for leisure here. Not far from the Sforza Castle, in the park, there are remains of a gate that led to the castle under the Visconti. They date back to the 14th century. Previously, the park contained outbuildings and lands that belonged to the owners of the Sforza Castle.
- Hotel Da Vinci 4* - located in a park with an area of 8,000 square meters. m., 150 meters from Bruzzano railway station, free Wi-Fi
- Ibis Milano Centro 3* - 350 meters from the railway and metro station Repubblica, restaurant-bistro Lineauno, 24-hour lounge bar overlooking the garden
- Delle Nazioni Milan Hotel 3* - 5 minutes walk from the central train station, free bicycle rental, continental breakfast
- B&B Hotel Milano San Siro 3* is a good budget option, a 5-minute walk from San Siro Stadium metro station, a 10-minute drive to Sempione Park
- Hotel Ritter 3* - a short walk from the Sforzesco Castle, just 100 meters to the metro, free Wi-Fi
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
In the very center stands the symbol of Italian Renaissance art - the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It was built at the end of the 15th century as part of a Dominican monastery. The interior of the church was divided into two halves: the first was accessible to parishioners, and the second was closed, and only monks could enter there. But the main value of the basilica is the fresco of the great Leonardo “The Last Supper” kept in the refectory. In August 1943, she miraculously survived the bombing of the Allied forces.
The parishioners covered the wall with the fresco with sandbags, thanks to which it was preserved. However, the consequences of the war, time and natural factors have led to the fact that the fresco is now far from its original state. To preserve it, those interested are allowed to see it only by prior appointment by telephone. To see the Master’s work, you need to sign up for a tour by calling 02 92 800 360 from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Half an hour before the start of the excursion you need to arrive and buy tickets or do it online. Groups of 25 people are formed from those who wish and are allowed to stay in the refectory for no more than 15 minutes. This is possible from Tuesday to Sunday from 8.15 to 18.45. Entrance to the church itself is free. It is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, with a break during the day from 12 to 3 pm.
Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
This is perhaps one of the oldest churches in Europe. Many walls were erected back in the 4th century on the site of ancient Roman pagan temples. It suffered a lot from fires, was often rebuilt and was finally restored in the 16th century.
The main attraction is the Chapel of Sant'Aquilino. It was built back in the 5th century as the tomb of the daughter of Theodosius I. The chapel is richly decorated with mosaics depicting Jesus and the apostles. The relics of Saint Aquilino and the martyr Natalia are also kept here. The basilica is also called San Lorenzo Colonna because of the twelve Corinthian columns that stand in front of it.
They date back to pre-Christian buildings and may have been intended for the construction of an ancient temple or baths. On the square in front of the church there is a monument to Emperor Constantine, whose name is associated with the end of the persecution of Christians and the beginning of the Christian era in the Roman Empire. The temple is open every day, from Monday to Saturday from 8 to 18.30, and on Sundays from 9 to 19 hours.
Basilica of Saint Ambrose
Saint Ambrose is considered the protector of Milan. He was born here, and in 379 he founded a church in memory of the holy martyrs Protasius and Gevrasius. After the priest's death, she received his name. The ancient basilica has not survived. In the 9th century, a new one was built in its place, which was rebuilt again in the 12th century. It was then that it acquired its final appearance and features characteristic of the Romanesque style. The church housed the relics of Saint Ambrose, to which pilgrims came from all over Italy. This was once the main cathedral of the city.
The entrance to the basilica is through an atrium surrounded by columns. Each has relief images illustrating the struggle between God and the Devil. One of them has small round holes - according to legend, these are traces of the Devil's horns. During the fight, he hit them into a column. Tradition claims that if you put your ear to the column, you will hear its whisper. Inside the church, a 9th-century altar made of gold has been preserved, its front side depicts Gospel scenes, and the other is decorated with images telling the life of St. Ambrose.
In the Chapel of San Vitorrio under the dome you can see golden mosaics made in the 5th century. The main shrines of the temple are the relics of the first Milanese great martyrs Gevrasius and Protasius and Ambrose himself. They are kept in a silver sarcophagus in the main crypt. In addition, the burial of Louis the Second and the sarcophagus with the remains of the Roman commander of the 4th century Stilicho are also valuable. Entrance to the church is free from 8.30 to 18.30.
Pinacoteca Brera
Pinacoteca Brera is one of the best art galleries in Italy. It houses a collection of masterpieces by Italian and European painters of the 14th–17th centuries. The Pinacoteca is located in a 16th-century palazzo. In the 18th century, Maria of Austria founded a gallery here. It reached its peak under Napoleon. He intended to turn the city into the capital of the European Empire, so he ordered the best examples of painting to be collected here.
Here you can see works by Raphael, Michelangelo, Piero della Francesco, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, El Greco and other artists; ancient icons are also kept here. The main treasure of the gallery is the famous work of Raphael “The Betrothal of the Virgin”. The Milan Academy of Fine Arts is located on the ground floor of the palace. In addition to the art gallery and study rooms, the Pinakothek has its own botanical garden and an observatory. The Pinakothek is open every day from 8.30 to 19.15.
On Thursday, visiting hours have been extended to 10 p.m. Closed on Monday. The gallery is also closed on holidays - December 25, January 1 and May 1.
Ambrosian Pinakothek
Archbishop Federico Borromeo of Milan was a great patron of the arts and sciences. He collected ancient manuscripts from Greece, Syria, and European countries, and in 1602 he decided to build a library. In 1609, the Ambrosian Library was opened to everyone. Under her, the archbishop ordered in 1618 the founding of a pinakothek and an art academy. The basis of the art gallery was made up of sculptures and paintings that were in the personal collection of the archbishop.
Later it was supplemented by the most famous works of Italian and European artists. Today in the Pinakothek you can see autographs of Virgil, Aristotle, manuscripts of Leonardo da Vinci: his drawings, diagrams - the famous “Code Atlanticus”. In addition to manuscripts, the gallery also houses artwork by Leonardo, as well as paintings by Raphael, Caravaggio, Bruegel, Botticelli, Titian, Dürer and other artists.
The gallery is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 to 17.30. It is closed on Monday and on holidays: January 1, Easter, May 1 and December 25. Photography and video shooting are prohibited in the Pinakothek. But it is allowed to photograph building facades and courtyards.
Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci
Even people completely far from scientific research and technical projects will be able to find a lot of interesting things here. The museum is located in an ancient monastery, and some of the exhibits are located directly under open air. Of great interest is usually the pavilion, which presents the inventions of Leonardo da Vinci - wooden models, famous diagrams, drawings and drawings of a diving suit, a description of a parachute, a submarine and other creations of the great scientist.
You can look through a telescope from the time of Galileo, look into an ancient submarine and tram, see how it was built sailing ship, compare ancient and ultra-modern high-speed trains. Open from Tuesday to Friday from 9.30 to 17.00, on weekends - until 18.30. Closed on Mondays, January 1st, December 24th and 25th.
Poldi Pezzoli Museum
The city is very rich in all kinds of exhibitions, so it is not easy for a museum to become a success. Sophisticated tourists choose the most interesting places to visit. This is exactly what the Poldi Pezzoli Museum can be called. The building it occupies was built in the 17th century. The collection was started by Gian Giacomo Poldi-Pezzoli. During his life, he visited many countries, where he became acquainted with world art. He began turning his house into a museum in 1849.
Masterpieces of painting coexisted with unique antique weapons. The collector bequeathed his entire collection to the city. He died in 1879, and three years later the public was able to get acquainted with the exhibition of the new museum. During World War II, the city was bombed, and the building was noticeably damaged. It was a great success that many of the exhibits were preserved. After reconstruction and restoration, the doors were opened only in 1951.
Villa Reale
Napoleon's famous residence Villa Reale, an example of the classicist era, was built for the ambassador to England, Count Beljoiso, at the end of the 18th century. Its main attraction was the first English park in Italy, decorated with numerous sculptures, pavilions and bridges. Napoleon made the villa his home, after which it began to be called Villa Bonaparte. After his overthrow, the residence of the Austrian governor of Lombardy was located here.
Since 1921, the Gallery of Modern Art has been located here. It contains works by Modigliani, Renoir, Giovanni Fattoni, Picasso, Gauguin, Van Gogh and other artists and sculptors of the 19th-20th centuries. The villa is open to visitors from 9 am to 5.30 pm, with a break from 1 pm to 2 pm every day except Monday.
Pirelli skyscraper
One of the main attractions of modern Italy, the Pirelli skyscraper, began to be built in 1950 on the initiative of Alberto Pirelli, the president of the world famous Pirelli company, on the very spot where the first plant of this famous dynasty of Italian industrialists stood since 1872. Construction lasted 10 years. As a result, a tower 127.1 m high was built, which rose higher than the spire of the Duomo. And since it was forbidden to build higher than the Madonna, the creators of the skyscraper got out of the situation by placing an exact copy of it on the roof. However, in 2002, a private plane crashed into the spire.
The skyscraper is made almost entirely of concrete, glass and aluminum and decorated with glass mosaics. Inside, the tower looks no less original: for example, the floors in the building are made of rubber, the same from which Pirelli makes its famous tires, and painted yellow.
Velasca Tower
Another interesting skyscraper among Gothic cathedrals and early medieval temples. Right in the city center, not far from the Duomo on Piazza Velaska, stands a 106-meter structure, which is included in the list of the ugliest buildings in the world. However, its absurdity and ambiguity made it popular among tourists. The tower was built in 1958 in the neo-modernist style. The lower part of the building is intended for office space, above it there is a wider upper part, in which residential apartments are located.
Because of this, the building is shaped like a mushroom - a square “hat” is put on a wide rectangular “leg”. The facades of the building are also unusually designed: the architects were inspired by the then fashionable ideas of industrial architecture, which they tried to combine with the stylistic solutions traditional for the Middle Ages in the design of fortresses and monasteries. The building turned out to be impregnable and gloomy, like a medieval castle.
Monument to the Middle Finger
Another scandalous and controversial example of modern monumental art. The monument, depicting a hand with an outstretched middle finger (the same gesture that is understandable to representatives of any culture, indicating the direction of movement), was supposed to stand on Affari Square in front of the stock exchange building for only two days. The author, Venetian sculptor Maurizio Cattelanu, made it for the exhibition “Against Ideology”. However, even after its completion, the monument remained in the same place.
A huge 4-meter marble fist is mounted on a pedestal 7 meters high. Right behind him is the famous Milan Stock Exchange building.
San Siro Stadium
The first match on the field of the famous Milan stadium took place in 1926 between the football clubs Milan and Internazionale. The stadium at that time belonged to the Milan club and bore the name of a church located nearby. Over time, it was modernized several times. After the war, the stadium began to be shared by both clubs - Milan and Inter. Later it was decided to rename it in honor of the famous Inter player Giuseppe Meazza.
He played for both clubs and the national team for many years, and was a real urban legend. However, fans of the club still call the stadium by its old name - "San Siro". For the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the stadium underwent a large-scale reconstruction. Today it is one of the best and most modern stadiums in the world. It is designed for 80 thousand spectators in the stands, as well as separate VIP boxes and a large press area. Not only club competitions are held here, but the world's largest tournaments: the finals of the Champions League, European Cup and others.
On the days of matches between clubs, the entire city is filled with their fans, which is why it turns black, red and blue. From Piazza Duomo, fans can take their clubs' special buses, which will take them to the stadium. A sports museum is opened at the stadium. Much of his collection, of course, is dedicated to the history of Italian football and its home clubs Milan and Inter. It is open from 9.30 am to 6 pm. At this time you need to go to entrance No. 8 - there, under the stands, the museum is located.
Monumental Cemetery
This city of the dead looks more like a sculpture park than a final resting place. It was designed back in 1866 by Carlo Maciacini. At that time, this cemetery was accessible only to the most noble and wealthy citizens. Burial places were purchased in advance, sketches of tombstones were also prepared ahead of time, and inscriptions on gravestones were approved.
The monuments preserve the ideas of the then Milanese about beauty and luxury, their tastes, and the level of spiritual culture. Most of them were made by famous architects and sculptors. All of them are unique, and you cannot find duplicates. Here you can see and Egyptian pyramids, ancient temples, images of angels and entire sculptural groups.
For example, the family tomb of the Campari family is decorated with a composition repeating “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. Not only wealthy citizens are buried in the cemetery, but also famous citizens, famous cultural figures, philanthropists, industrialists and businessmen, and politicians. You can visit the cemetery from 8 am to 6 pm every day except Monday. On holidays it is open only until lunch – until 13:00.
Canal Naviglio Grande
The Naviglio district is the most romantic area of the city. Once upon a time, the Milanese wanted to turn their city into a second Venice. For this purpose, it was planned to build a network of canals; Leonardo da Vinci also participated in the development of this project. Today, out of the entire extensive network of canals that were once the city’s transport arteries, only three remain.
The most picturesque of them is Naviglio Grande. Small pedestrian bridges, churches and the famous Prachek Lane (Vicolo dei Lavandai) have been preserved here. In the warm season, excursion boats sail along the canal, and numerous antique and tourist shops operate on the banks. In the evenings, many youth clubs and bars open here, and various performances are held.
Branca Tower
Not only medieval architectural masterpieces attract the attention of tourists. The Branca Tower is always popular. It was built in 1933, and the order for construction was given personally by Benito Mussolini. Thus, he celebrated the opening of the anniversary exhibition in the Palazzo del Arte. The Branca Tower has a second name - Milan's Eiffel Tower.
Indeed, the openwork structure, rising 108 meters, surprisingly resembles the creation of the engineer Eiffel. This structure was created in a surprisingly short time - in just three months. In 1972, a real threat loomed over the tower. The fasteners connecting the steel elements were greatly weakened. City officials feared the structure might collapse.
Thirty years were spent on the restoration of the structure. The costs were covered by the well-known wine producing company - Distilleria. Its owner, Fratelli Branca, gave the tower a new name. After restoration, visitors were able to climb to the observation deck in 2002. The structure ranks sixth in the city in height, and from there it offers beautiful views of Milan, the Lombardy Plain and the peaks of the Alps.
Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio
This church is located near the lake of the same name. The place it occupies is remarkable. In ancient times, Saint Barnabas preached here, and many of his followers were baptized here. The basilica is revered by Christians. Tradition says that it contained the relics of kings who came to worship the newborn Jesus and brought him their gifts. Later, Frederick Barbarossa took these shrines and transported them to Cologne. In the Middle Ages, the courts of the Inquisition took place within these walls; since the 13th century, the basilica has been the seat of the Dominican Order.
The church was built gradually, incorporating ancient structures. The early Christian temple left behind an apse, which is now located under the choir. Then chapels were added. One of them contains burials dating back to the Renaissance. The other contains masterpieces of Florentine art. The basilica went through all the trials of the harsh 20th century, but still required large-scale restoration. In 1999 the work was completed. An eight-pointed star was placed on the temple and beautiful lighting was installed.
Church of San Fedele
The historical center is decorated with many churches. One of the most interesting is San Fedele, located on the square of the same name. The initiator of the construction was the Archbishop of San Carlo Borromeo. He represented the Jesuit order - the largest of those belonging to the Catholic Church. The architect was Pellegrino Tibaldi. Construction lasted 69 years and ended in 1596.
The building was built in a strict and solemn classical style. Majestic columns, niches and decor look surprisingly harmonious and beautiful. The high dome is designed in such a way that it appears to float above the altar. It is definitely worth visiting the chapels included in the church. Each of them is unique and can be called a masterpiece. Particularly striking is the “Pieta” - the grieving Mother of God by the artist Peterziano.
Brera Astronomical Observatory
In the second half of the 18th century, the Jesuit order founded an astronomical observatory in the Brera Palace. The work was led by the Croatian priest and scientist Rudjer Josip Boskovic. He also became the head of the institution. The Jesuit Order ceased to exist in 1773, at which time the observatory was transferred to the state.
For many years it served science, but at the beginning of the 20th century, a deterioration in the astroclimate - the conditions for observing celestial bodies - was noticed. It was decided to create a new observatory in the city of Merat. Interesting discoveries were made within the walls of the Brera Palace. Thus, astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli discovered an asteroid in 1861, called Hesperia. A few years later, in 1877, the same scientist was able to see channels on Mars and sketch them.
Museo del Novecento
Contemporary art lovers will also find a lot of interesting things for themselves. The Novecento Museum is located in the Arengario Palace. In order for the building to accommodate the exhibition, large-scale restoration work was needed, on which more than 30 million euros were spent. As a result, the city acquired another unique attraction that attracts tourists. The museum was opened relatively recently, in 2010, but already the exhibition includes more than 400 works by famous masters.
The museum is rightfully proud of the masterpieces of Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Kandinsky and others. There are interesting works in the style of futurism and abstractionism. Connoisseurs of painting from the 50s and 60s of the 20th century will find a large collection here, represented by names such as Manzoni or Bonalumi. The top floor is occupied by a grandiose exhibition of Lucio Fontano. In addition to the paintings, visitors can admire the view of the Duomo Square through the huge panoramic windows. In addition to the art gallery, you can also visit the museum restaurant and bookstore, offering a wide selection of printed materials.
The trip will definitely leave vivid memories and unforgettable impressions. It is difficult to find a second place like this, where modernity is harmoniously combined with antiquity.
The outskirts of Milan are of interest to tourists, no less than the city itself. This is due to the fact that the surrounding areas are very picturesque and have their own attractions. The most famous and popular destinations with something to see in the vicinity of Milan are: Monza, Bergamo, Lake Ceresio and Lake Como.
Monza
Monza is a small town that was once the capital of Italy. The main attraction that attracts tourists is the Formula 1 circuit. Among the historical places, one can highlight the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. It is the main architectural monument in the city. The cathedral has Gothic decoration and is quite richly decorated. You can also see the Chapel of Theodolinda, which houses figures of the Holy Apostles from the 14th century.
Those interested can see the Residence in Monza, which is also called the royal palace. Entry here is by appointment only, but you can visit the royal park at any time. The Iron Crown Museum is also interesting to see. There are many more ancient churches and places in the city that will be interesting to see.
Chapel of Theodolinda
Formula 1 track
Streets of Monza
Bergamo
Bergamo is a small city in the Lombardy region, located 40 km from Milan. It sits on top of a hill and is divided into Bergamo Alta and Bergamo Basso. At the same time, the second district is more modern in architectural terms. Usually tourists first go to Piazza Vecchif, which is reminiscent of the Middle Ages. You can also visit the church of Santa Maria Maggiore and the mausoleum of Bartolomeo Colleoni, who was a great commander. You can also go to the Gaetano Donizetti Theater, which was built at the end of the 18th century. Art lovers can visit the Carrara Art Gallery.
Piazza Vecchif in Bergamo
Lake Ceresio
Lake Ceresio is located on the border of Italy and Switzerland. It is one of the attractions in the suburbs of Milan, as it is located only 70 km from it. This lake is also called Lugano, because. on its shore is the city of Lugano. Often excursion routes include a trip to this city. It belongs to Switzerland, but the population is Italian-speaking. Crossing the border will not be a problem thanks to a Schengen visa.
You can start exploring local attractions from Piazza Riforma. Here is the Municipality building with a clock, as well as sculptures that symbolize Religion, Harmony, Strength and Freedom. From the square you can take a stroll along Via Nassa, where you can do all sorts of shopping.
Piazza Riforma in Lugano
One of the main attractions of Lugano is the Cathedral of San Lorenzo. Here you can see late Gothic frescoes and bas-reliefs from the Renaissance. If a walk around the city and sightseeing is part of an excursion, the route usually ends at Villa Chani. Many exotic plants grow here, and there are interesting sculptures.
Lake Como is located 40 km from Milan. Together with the coastal buildings, it is interesting for tourists to visit. The main attractions in this place are the luxurious villas. There are a lot of them here. Some of them house museums, and some are home to famous movie actors. The place itself is very picturesque. Interesting flowers and exotic plants grow on the banks.
One of remarkable places in Como is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore. It was built back in 1399. You can also see the Church of Sant'Abbondio. It is made in the Romanesque style and attracts travelers. Beautiful view The lake and surrounding areas can be admired at the observation deck on Mount Brunate. You can get to it by a special funicular. There are at least 20 small towns along the shores of Lake Como. Each of them is interesting and has its own characteristics and attractions.
Milan (Italy) - the most detailed information about the city with photos. The main attractions of Milan with descriptions, guides and maps.
City of Milan (Italy)
Milan is the main city of Northern Italy and the capital of the Lombardy region. This is a modern metropolis, which is considered the business and financial center of the country. Milan is the capital of fashion and business, the most stylish, expensive and rich city in Italy, which is rated on a par with Paris and London among lovers of entertainment and shopping. But this is not the only thing the capital of Lombardy is famous for. Here you can look at such famous attractions as: the magnificent Duomo, the Sforzesco Castle, included in the list of objects World Heritage UNESCO, the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazia, which houses the legendary fresco by Leonardo da Vinci “The Last Supper” and many others no less interesting monuments history and culture.
Milan Central Station receives trains from most major cities in Italy: Turin, Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice, as well as from many European capitals and cities: Barcelona, Zurich, Geneva, Paris, Munich, Vienna, Prague. The train station has access to the metro. Another important railroad station- Cadorna. The Malpensa Airport Express stops here and there is also a metro.
There is a popular phrase that “all roads lead to Rome.” So, all roads in Northern Italy go to Milan. The city has excellent transport accessibility. But it should be noted that highways are toll roads.
Milan has a well developed system public transport: metro, trams and buses. There is a single ticket, which can be purchased at special machines and tobacco kiosks. The fare is 1.5 euros. There are 4 metro lines: red, green, yellow and purple lines.
Shopping and purchases
Milan is one of the main centers of world shopping and fashion. Here you can find everything: from fashion brands to products from small designer workshops. The main shopping area is the Fashion Quadrangle, which is located between the Duomo, Piazza Cavour and Piazza San Babila. Most of the famous boutiques can be found on the streets of Montenapoleone, Della Spiga, Vittorio Emanuele, Sant Andrea, Porta Venezia and Manzoni. Near Milan there are as many as five large outlets where you can buy designer and branded items at big discounts. The largest of the outlets is Serravalle. It is located an hour's drive from Milan and buses depart from the Sforzesco Castle.
Food and drink
Although Milan often follows fashion and modern trends, it is one of the outposts of traditional Italian cuisine. Avoid restaurants around the Duomo, they tend to be popular tourist spots with poor quality food at inflated prices. Please be aware that most restaurants charge an additional "service charge", approximately 2 euros per customer.
Attractions
Although Milan is not the first city many tourists associate with Italy, it does boast some wonderful sights and cultural monuments. For all its serious reputation as a fashionable, business and financial center of the country, it is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage.
The Duomo or Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente is a symbol of Milan, located in the heart of the city on the square of the same name. It is one of the largest religious buildings in the world (accommodates about 40,000 people) and probably the most beautiful church in the Gothic style. The Duomo was built over 4 centuries from the 14th century. Its roof is topped with 135 spiers, and its façade is decorated with 2,245 marble statues. The modest interior, strikingly contrasting with the glittering and richly patterned exterior, makes a strong impression with its 52 gigantic columns. The stained glass windows and nave of the Duomo are the largest in the world. Inside you can see a bronze candelabra from 1200, the tomb of Giacomo Medici, and the reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo. A walk along the roof of the Duomo will be very atmospheric, from where on clear days you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Next to the central passage there is an underground entrance where you can see the foundations of an ancient 4th century basilica and baptistery, discovered during the construction of the metro. Entrance to the cathedral is free. Important: entry in short skirts, shorts and bare shoulders is prohibited.
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II - located slightly away from the Duomo and connects the cathedral square with Piazza La Scala. It was built in the 70s of the 19th century and at that time was the largest shopping gallery in Europe. There are expensive boutiques and elegant cafes here. The gallery is a superb example of 19th century architecture.
La Scala - one of the most famous opera houses in the world is located in a rather inconspicuous building on Not large area. Accommodates 2,800 spectators. The season lasts from December to May.
Santa Maria delle Grazie is a 15th-century brick Gothic church with an early Renaissance Bramante dome. Gained worldwide fame thanks to Leonardo da Vinci's fresco "The Last Supper". Unfortunately, the church and the fresco were damaged during bombing during the Second World War. Leonardo's fresco was painted in the refectory of a former Dominican monastery at the end of the 15th century. Unfortunately, da Vinci's fresco is constantly being destroyed and restored (Leonardo painted the fresco on damp plaster).
The Sforzesco Castle is one of the main attractions of Milan, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The castle was built in the 14th century and was the main residence of the Milanese rulers - the Visconti and Sforza. Now there is a magnificent museum with such rarities as Michelangelo’s last masterpiece, paintings by Bellini, Correggio, Mantegna, Berggone, Foppa, Lotto, Tintoretto, Egyptian and other antiquities, medieval weapons. In front of the 70-meter Torre de Filare there is a large fountain built under Mussolini. Behind the castle is the large neoclassical Sempione Park, one of the favorite places of Milanese.
The historic district of Cinque Vie is the oldest part of Milan, located between Piazza Cordusio, Via Meravigli and Via Orefici. In this area you can find many Roman archaeological sites such as the theatre, the imperial palace and the imperial mint. In addition, there are many ancient churches, such as Santa Maria alla Porta (the Baroque pearl of Milan), San Sebastiano, San Giorgio el Palazzo, Santa Maria Podone, San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore .
San Maurizio is a Baroque church whose interior is considered the most beautiful of Milan's religious buildings. It was built at the beginning of the 16th century for a Benedictine nunnery. Inside the church is painted with beautiful frescoes by the best masters of Lombardy. The monastery was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman circus and walls. Now there is an archaeological museum here, which will introduce Milan during the Roman Empire.
The Pinacoteca de Brera is a 17th-century Renaissance palace that originally housed a Jesuit school. Now it is one of the best art museums in Italy. Paintings by the best artists of Lombardy and students of da Vinci, Venetian masters, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, Picasso and many others are exhibited here.
San Ambrogio Sant'Ambrogio is one of the ancient churches Milan, founded in the 4th century by Saint Ambrose, who is the patron saint of the city. The church is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. It was built in the 12th century around the choir of an earlier church from the ninth century. Notable is the ancient altar from the 9th century, located among those built during the Carolingian period.
Cimitero Monument Monumento Cimitero is a monumental cemetery from the late 18th century that is famous for its rich tombstones and Art Nouveau sculptures.
The Da Vinci Museum is a national museum of science and technology located in a former monastery. Of particular interest is the Leonardo da Vinci gallery with working models of many of his inventions and machines, created according to his drawings and drawings. Also on display are instruments used by Galileo, Newton and Volta.
Naviglio is an atmospheric place in the area of the canal of the same name with many restaurants and clubs.
Sant'Eustorgio is a 12th-century Romanesque basilica with a beautiful tall bell tower. Nearby is another church - San Lorenzo Maggiore, dating from the early Christian period. The Renaissance dome was added in 1574, the mosaic in the chapel of St. Aquilina dates from the 4th century. In front of the church is a portico of sixteen Corinthian columns, which is the largest surviving monument from the Roman period.
The Arch of Peace is an interesting example of neoclassical architecture. This triumphal arch was built in the first half of the 18th century and is located in the center of a large square behind the Sforzesco Castle and the park. Construction of the arch began under Napoleon Bonaparte, but was completed after his defeat at Waterloo by the Austrian monarch Francis I, who dedicated it to peace.
Santa Maria del Carmine is a church of the Carmelite Order, built in the 13th century from red brick. The church was destroyed by fire in the 14th century and abandoned. Restored in the 15th century by Antonio Solari. It is an interesting example of Lombard neo-Gothic.
The Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore (St. Lawrence) is a temple built in the Renaissance style with an ancient baptistery and a Romanesque bell tower from the 12th century. The church was founded in the 4th century and is one of the oldest in Milan. A mosaic from the period of late Antiquity and several Roman columns have been preserved here.
San Babila is a brick church founded in the 11th century. The baroque building of the 16th century was rebuilt in the 19th century in the style of its original medieval appearance. The neo-Romanesque bell tower was completed in the 30s of the 20th century.
The Velasca Tower is an interesting example of civil engineering. This is a 106-meter skyscraper of an unusual architectural form.
TOP 20 places worth visiting in Milan
What to see in Milan in Milan, knowing about it only that it is one of the world's fashion centers and the financial capital of Italy, you risk missing out on all the most interesting things. This city has a rich and ancient history and is literally filled with works of art and architectural masterpieces that are a must-see.
So, so that you don’t get lost among all this diversity, TripMyDream has compiled the TOP 20 beautiful places in Milan, thanks to which Milan will enchant you at first sight and forever.
1. Milan Cathedral
This majestic Gothic building is rightfully a symbol and one of its main decorations.
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Rarely will a tourist pass by this giant and not go to see it, because the cathedral is beautiful both outside and inside: soaring pointed arches, columns and sculptures, luxurious paintings - you can’t take your eyes off the decoration of the Duomo. It seems as if you have entered another dimension. Just look at the fantastically beautiful stained glass windows, the oldest of which is more than 500 years old!
In the cathedral you can also read the names of all the archbishops of Milan (since the 1st century) carved in stone, view the tombstones of saints decorated with paintings from the life of St. Ambrose, and listen to one of the best organs in the world.
The Duomo is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (break from 12:00 to 14:30). Free admission.
2. Sforza Castle
Perhaps the most popular among tourists is the Milanese castle that must be visited, built in the 15th century as the residence of the Dukes of Milan from the dynasty of the same name. Today it is hospitably open to those wishing to get acquainted not only with the life of the nobility of those times, but also with works of art by famous Italians.
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By paying 15 euros, you will have access to the halls of the castle museum, where furniture and household utensils are exhibited, as well as an art gallery with paintings by painters such as Mantegna, Bellini and Correggio. There is a separate room dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci (who, by the way, was personally involved in decorating the castle). The Archaeological Museum is also worth a look.
The Sforzesco Castle is open to the public from 07:00 to 19:30. You can enter its territory for free, paid entrance only to museums.
Museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:30. Ticket price - €8 (until 01/10/2016 according to the official website).
On a note: on Fridays after 14:00 the museum is open to everyone for free.
The castle can be reached by trams No. 1, 2, 4, 12, 14, 19 or by buses No. 18, 37, 50, 58, 61, 94.
3. Pinacoteca Brera
Milan itself is a work of art, let alone its museums and galleries! Visit here and not visit at least some of their attractions and wealth? This is impossible!
The best place to get acquainted with the masterpieces of Italian (and not only) masters is the Brera Pinacoteca - the largest museum in Milan. One of the largest collections of Italian painting of the 14th-19th centuries is exhibited here, as well as a collection of European painting of the 15th-17th centuries. Van Dyck, El Greco, Goya, Rembrandt, Caravaggio - these names sound like music to the ears of lovers of beauty. But even if you don’t consider yourself one of those, it’s still worth visiting the Pinakothek!
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The Pinacoteca is located at Via Brera, 28. You can get there by buses no. 61 and 97. Opening hours: Tue-Fri, Sun - 08:30–19:15. Saturday - from 08:30 to 23:00. The ticket costs €10.
Be sure to take the time to visit the basilica to visit the Basilica of St. Ambrose and see this structure, which is almost a thousand years old, with your own eyes. The ancient building seems to be imbued with history and the spirit of bygone centuries: beautiful paintings, paintings of religious subjects, church utensils - there is something to admire here! A wonderful place to soak in the unique atmosphere of antiquity and tranquility.
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The Basilica is located at Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, 15. Open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:30 to 18:00. On Sundays - from 15:00 to 17:00. There is a fee on the basilica website There is no entry fee listed, so it must be assumed that it is free.
5. Brera Quarter
The Brera quarter is one of the places where tourists in Milan should go to hunt for impressions. The quarter is famous not so much for its proximity to the Duomo and Pinakothek, but for its unique flavor.
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Take a walk through the colorful labyrinths of streets, sit on the terrace cozy cafe or stop to listen to a street musician. Or maybe you want to know your destiny? No problem! There are fortune tellers here too.
The undoubted advantage of the Brera quarter is that it is an exclusively pedestrian zone (entry is allowed only to its residents). So - a minimum of transport and a maximum of freedom of movement. And, of course, a lot interesting places and great photos to boot!
The Brera quarter is surrounded by Via Pontaccio, Via Borgonuovo, Via del Lauro and Via Monte di Pieta, and Via Mercato. The nearest metro stations are Lanza, Cairoli and Montenapoleone.
6. Church of San Maurizio
The Church of San Maurizio is exactly the case when you don’t judge by your clothes. The seemingly unremarkable basilica instantly appears differently as soon as you enter it. Waiting for visitors inside magnificent interior with stunningly beautiful frescoes of the 16th century, painted by the best artists of Lombardy.
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In addition, next to the church, in the halls of the former monastery, there is a Museum of Archeology with a rich collection of weapons (Celtic, Etruscan and Roman), jewelry, ceramics and household items.
Entrance to the church is free. Opening hours: Mon-Sat - 09:30–17:30. You can get here by metro (get off at Cadorna Fn. line 2 or Cairoli line 1).
7. Poldi Pezzoli Museum
Another Milanese treasury that would be a shame not to visit and pay attention to. The Poldi Pezzoli Museum displays the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, which includes works of art, ancient weapons, jewelry and antiques collected by the owner during his life. Here, among other things, you can see paintings by Botticelli, Bellini, Mantegna and many other masters of Italian painting.
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The museum is located at Via Alessandro Manzoni, 12 and is open from Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00. Ticket price is €8. You can get here by metro (line M3, stop Montenapoleone or Duomo and line M1, stop Duomo).
8. Naviglio Grande
Did you know that Milan has its own Grand Canal? Well, now you will know for sure. The Naviglio Grande is not just any canal, but the oldest canal in Europe (built in the 12th century) with a length of 48 kilometers. It connects Milan with the town of Tornavento.
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Today Naviglio Grande is not only an incredibly beautiful place for walking (especially in the evening), but also the center of the city's nightlife. A great variety of bars and restaurants for every taste attract lovers of active nightlife, and the famous aperitivo (happy hour option) allows you to taste local cuisine for almost nothing (the aperitivo principle - you only pay for the drink, and a free buffet to boot). There is also a large flea market along Naviglio Grande every last Sunday of the month.
The closest metro station to the canal is Porta Genova F.s., and the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore can be reached on foot in 15 minutes.
Clue: The canal is often drained for cleaning in the spring, so keep this in mind if you want to see it in all its glory.
9. Park Sempione
One of the favorite vacation spots of Milanese, Sempione Park is an amazing and beautiful corner of wildlife in the middle of a busy city. It’s good to come here after a long walk around the city, walk along the shady alleys, look at the elegant statues or feed the ducks and swans by the pond. If you want, go to the aquarium (entrance is free). For lovers of active recreation, the park has cycling tracks and sports fields, and the park observation tower offers an impressive view of the city.
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The park is open daily from 06:30 to 22:00 (summer) and from 06:30 to 20:00 (winter). You can get to the park by metro (Lanza Brero Piccolo or Teatro Cairoli Castello station) or tram number 12, 14 (Bramante Lega Lombarda stop).
10. Museum of Science and Technology
This is probably one of the most educational museums to visit in Milan: three whole floors dedicated to all kinds of human technical inventions! Here you will find everything from a steam engine to a submarine. Radio waves and electricity, television and telegraph, clocks and astronomical instruments - both adults and children will be interested here. And, of course, be sure to take a look at the hall of inventions of Leonardo himself - maybe you will be able to solve the riddle of the great genius?
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The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 09:30 to 17:00. On Saturdays and holidays - from 09:30 to 18:30. The museum is closed on Mondays, December 25 and January 1.
Ticket price is €10 (full) and €7.50 for youth under 25 years old (must show passport), children from 3 to 13 years old, pensioners over 65 and groups of 10 people. For children under 3 years old and people with disabilities (together with an accompanying person) admission is free.
Museum address: Via San Vittore, 21. Buses No. 50, 58, 94 go to the museum.
Even if mind-blowing shopping isn't on your agenda, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuel II should be on your list of things to do in Milan. Mosaic decorations, sculptures, statues, frescoes decorating the gallery, the famous glass dome - it seems as if you were inside a huge kaleidoscope! In addition, from the gallery you can go to two famous Milan landmarks - the Duomo and La Scala.
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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is located in Piazza del Duomo and is open 24 hours a day (unlike the shops, which close at 10 p.m.), so you can wander around this mini-museum at any time.
12. Ambrosian Gallery
For those who have not yet quenched their thirst for beauty, the Ambrosiana Art Gallery should be the next item on the list of interesting places in Milan. The gallery is considered the very first museum in Milan, because it was founded at the beginning of the 17th century, and its collection will be the envy of any museum in the world. In addition to paintings by such masters as Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio, there is an entire exhibition entirely dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, with paintings and original manuscripts of the genius.
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You can visit the gallery from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00. The museum is closed on Easter and Christmas, as well as on January 1 and May 1. Ticket price is €15. Address: Piazza Pio XI, 2.
To enrich your cultural tour of Milan, take time to visit the Gallery of Contemporary Art. Its collection includes more than 2,500 works of art from both Italian (where would we be without them!) and French masters of the 18th-20th centuries. Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Modigliani, Canova, Boccioni - and this is not a complete list. Well, if you get tired of the abundance of beauty, take a break by looking into the cozy garden that is laid out around the gallery building.
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The gallery is located at Via Palestro, 16. The nearest metro station is Palestro (line M1). Opening hours: Tue-Sun - from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:30. Free admission.
14. Igrosso District
People usually go to Milan either for its cultural values, or for more material values, in other words, for shopping. If you are one of the latter, a trip to the Ingrosso area is just what you need. Here, on the streets between the Milano Centrale train station and the Republica metro station, various wholesale and discount stores have gathered, where you can find some unusual and original creation of a young creative designer or even a recognized master of the fashion industry.
True, there are also some nuances here - for example, it is not always possible to find something worthwhile right away. That is why most Ingrosso stores have the foresight to publish a general brochure, which informs about all upcoming events, discounts and sales, as well as working hours during Fashion Weeks and holidays. You can get it in any boutique, you just have to ask.
15. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
This church is popular primarily because it houses the famous “Last Supper” of Leonardo da Vinci. Although in fact the fresco is located not in the church itself, but on the back wall of the refectory, in the building of the former Dominican monastery, which is nearby.
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However, even if you didn't buy a ticket a couple of months (or at least weeks) in advance to see the masterpiece, don't be discouraged. The church itself is also worth a visit. Inside, it is, of course, not as large as the Duomo, but this intimacy, combined with painted ceilings, columns and graceful arches, creates an amazing atmosphere of peace and lightness.