Milan has long had the reputation as the capital of fashion and style of Italy, however, besides luxury shopping and fashion show, in Milan there is something to see. The Foundation of the city is a mash of different architectural styles, as well as churches, of which there are many in Milan.
This article will tell you about the most interesting sights of the city, placing them not in order of importance or popularity, and an easy visit if the starting point of the routes through the city to take the famous Milan Cathedral. Also, this article will approach the topic: What to see in Milan for 1-2-3 days.
Well, for those who have only a couple of hours to Milan, or want to see the city from an unusual side, as well as make a trip outside of Milan, we can advise excursions from local guides in Russian. Excursions in Milan...
Places To Visit In Milan
Piazza Del Duomo, Milan
Piazza del Duomo or Cathedral square is the most visited and important square of the historical centre of Milan.
Cathedral square marks the center of the city, as in a geographical sense, and because of the importance of artistic, cultural and social points of view. No wonder that Piazza del Duomo is called the heart of Milan!
In the middle, stands a monument to the first king of Italy - Victor Emanuel II.
Around the area are concentrated the most outstanding and important sights not only of Milan but of Italy in General, and some of the most prestigious commercial areas of the city.
So, the most outstanding buildings of the Piazza del Duomo are:
- The Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milan / Duomo di Milano), in whose honor and named the square itself.
First of all, the Duomo is famous for its eye-catching architecture in the style of flamboyant Gothic (Flamboyant), and the fact that he is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. It's not just a Cathedral is the main attraction and the symbol of Milan and one of the most spacious churches in Europe.
- Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale di Milano) is for a long time was the residence of the rulers of Milan. Today the Palace serves as a cultural center and is home to expositions and exhibitions. The Palace houses the Museum of the Cathedral (Duomo Museum). Also here is the Church of the Royal Palace of San Gottardo in Corte.
- opposite the Royal Palace, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II - another outstanding building of the Duomo square.
Gallery is the oldest shopping center of Italy and is the arcade, where there are luxury boutiques and stores of world famous brands clothes and shoes. In addition to the shops in the gallery are many cafes, restaurants and eateries.
Milan shopping gallery connects the square in front of the Duomo Cathedral with the square in front of La Scala theatre.
La Scala, Milan
La Scala Opera house (Teatro alla Scala) is the most famous theater of Milan, was inaugurated on 3 August 1778 and got its name from the Church of Santa Maria Alla Scala, demolished to make way for the construction of the Ducal Teatro Alla Scala Nuovo Regio.
Teatro Alla Scala is one of the most prestigious theatres in the world. In its history, the walls of the theatre took the most famous artists in the international sphere of Opera, and more generally of classical music.
The facade of the Teatro Alla Scala opens on the homonymous square (Piazza della Scala), the center is the monument of Leonardo da Vinci (Statua di Leonardo da Vinci).
And around the square and in close proximity to such, are:
- one Museum Leonardo (Leonardo3 Museum)
- art gallery (Gallerie d'italia)
- the Catholic Church of San Fedele (Chiesa di San Fedele), built in the 16th century by order of St. Charles Borromeo to host the Society of Jesus.
- bronze withsculpture of Arnaldo Pomodoro (Disco di Arnaldo Pomodoro)
The Golden quadrilateral, Milan
Golden quadrilateral of Milan, or as it is called Golden square of Milan (Quadrilatero d'oro) is the most prestigious, most elite and most expensive place for shopping in the centre of Milan.
The Golden quadrilateral is not only a place for luxury shopping, but also includes a list of attractions in Milan.
On the streets of the Golden quadrilateral collected such pearls of world art design as Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Prada, TOD's, Bulgari, Chanel, Dior, VALENTINO, etc. in Addition to salons and luxury boutiques in the quadrangle restaurants and hotels.
Street Venice, Milan
Street of Venice (Corso Venezia) is one of the Central streets of the historic center of Milan.
Corso Venezia originates from the pleasant Piazza San Babila, where is a fountain and an interesting sculpture "Nobility of time".
Also the beginning of the street you can see a small eponymous Catholic Church (Basilica di San Babila). San Babila was the thirteenth Bishop of Antioch. The cult of St. Babila, widespread in the East, soon came to the West, especially France, Switzerland and Spain. In Italy he is revered, as well as in Milan and the one in Cremona and Florence as the defender of priestly purity and chastity.
Street of Venice will bring to one of the main gates of Milan - Port of Venice (Porta Venezia) and Guardini Park (Giardini Pubblici).
Near the Park are:
- Villa Reale (Villa Reale di Milan), now the Villa Comunale, previously Villa Belgiojoso Belgiojoso or Villa Bonaparte, which is a Villa built between 1790 and 1796 by the architect Leopoldo Pollack by count Ludovico, Barbiano di Belgioioso. This Royal Villa is one of the main monuments of Milanese Neoclassicism;
- one of the main gates of the medieval way of Milan - Porta Nuova (Archi di Porta Nuova).
Porat Nuova, Milan
Porta Nuova, literally "New gate" is one of the city gates of Milan. Gate Time Nuova was built in 1810 in the style of Neoclassicism to the present time are well preserved.
The gate is located 800 metres from the Park Guardini. Attractive New gate, above all, that are the living embodiment of old and new Milan, located just on the border of two worlds, which is clearly seen with the naked eye. With one side of the gate is the old Milan (historic centre), and with another - the main business district of Milan.
Immediately behind Porta Nuova (just 67 metres from them), in the new part of the city, is a large supermarket Carrefour Market - Supermercato with a decent selection of food.
Inspection of the above attractions of Milan shopping, you can pay one day. While the second or second-third - to dedicate the following attractions:
The Basilica of St. Mark, Milan
Or St. Mark's Basilica di San Marco (is one of the most beautiful buildings of Milan.
The façade of the Church designed in the Gothic revival style with a distinctive structure and brick walls, while the lower part of the pilasters of marble blocks. The bell tower is 14th-century with a square plan and conical sharp, was restored and completed in 1885.
The inner decoration of the Church of St. Mark, on the one hand very simple, on the other - is elegant and attractive.
The Brera, Milan
Brera is one of the oldest neighborhoods of Milan.
This area is primarily attractive because from ancient times it is famous for its Bohemian atmosphere. Here are: the state Academy of fine arts with the famous and largest art gallery Milan, Pinacoteca di Brera and the Botanical garden of Brera.
The most tourist-developed and visited and, in our opinion, interesting streets of the Brera are:
- part of the same street of Brera (Via Brera), originating from the main historical buildings of the center of the Palazzo Brera, where the Academy and the Pinacoteca di Brera street Pontaccio.
- narrow streets Fiori Chiari and Madonnina, in which: the abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars, souvenir shops and small shops located on the ground floors of old buildings.
Basilica Di San Simpliciano, Milan
The Basilica, or the parish Church of San Simpliciano (Basilica of San Simpliciano) - the perfect embodiment of the architecture and Romanesque style. One of the churches of Milan made in the form of a Latin cross, first built by Ambrose. The Basilica is dedicated to Saint Simplician, Bishop of Milan.
In the Church is the body, which can be streamed totally free. It sounds really amazing. The organ music can be found on the official website of the Basilica.
Teatro Strehler, Milan
Small theater Strehler or Piccolo-Teatro (Piccolo Teatro Strehler) - the dramatic melt in Milan, bearing the honorary title of theatre of Europe.
This theater was founded on may 14, 1947 by Giorgio Stelera, Paolo Grassi and his wife Nina Vinchi Grassi. The repertoire of the theatre art, but also within its walls put and mixed performances.
Sforza Castle, Milan
Sforza castle or Castello Sforzesco is one of the main symbols of the history of Milan. The castle was built in the 15th century by the Duke of Milan, Francesco Sforza, on the remains of previous fortifications Dating back to the fourteenth century.
Throughout its long history the castle was repeatedly undergone significant transformation. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the biggest citadels in Europe. At present, the Sforza castle is home to important cultural institutions and tourist destinations.
Located in the Sforza castle in Milan's historic centre, the castle square (Piazza Castello) and symbolizes the main entrance to the Parco Sempione.
Currently the castle has been restored and with open arms welcomes guests. Outside the castle you can see the impressive walls and towers and gates, i.e. to sleep in a castle with four sides, on bridges spanning the ditches.
In front of the main entrance to the castle, in Piazza Castello you can see the eponymous fountain (Fontana di Piazza Castello), shaped like a cake and the people called "Wedding cake".
Sempione Park, Milan
Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) in Milan is a large city Park, which was laid in the late nineteenth century on the site of the former parade ground of the Castello Sforzesco.
The Park has plenty of greenery, a lake inhabited by ducks, majestic trees, walking paths, places for rest, fountains, children's and basketball courts, a small cafe.
In the Park there are attractions such as:
- bridge Little Mermaids or just Mermaids bridge (Ponte delle Sirenette) - the first iron bridge in Italy;
- historical monument Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace) is a triumphal arch, one of the major neo-classical monuments in Milan located in the Northern part of the Park;
- equestrian monument to Napoleon III (Monumento a Napoleone III);
- the Torre Branca the top of which is an observation deck that you can climb and admire the Milan and surroundings from the height of bird flight.
- aquarium (Acquario Civico di Milano);
- the Milan Triennial (La Triennale di Milano) - the Museum of art and design. International cultural institution, which conducts exhibitions, conferences and various events of art.
The Church of Santa Maria del Grazie, Milan
The Church of Santa Maria del Grazie (Santa Maria delle Grazie) is one of the main attractions of Milan.
Is the main Church of the Dominican monastery, the walls of which, in the refectory, is the famous mural by Leonardo da Vinci - the last supper (Cenacolo Vinciano). Leonardo painted the last supper on the wall in the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie on the orders of Ludovico Il Moro in the period from 1494 to 1497.
The construction of the monastery dates back to 1469. On the night of 15 August 1943, the refectory was bombed by Anglo-American aircraft, but Leonardo miraculously spared. In 1980, the entire monastery complex was declared a monument of world heritage of UNESCO.
To see the mural for a fee. The cost of a full adult ticket - 15 Euros. Timetable, costs and ticketing to check on the official website.
The Church Di San Nicolao, Milan
Church of San Nicolao (Chiesa Di San Nicolao) - a small Church in Milan, originally built in 1259.
The Church of the convent of San Maurizio al in Milan, Milan
The Church of San Maurizio is located in the monastery Maggiore (Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore).
Originally the temple was attached to the most important female convent of the Benedictines, now used as archeological Museum.
The construction of the Church began in 1503 and completed only fifteen years later. The building was divided into two parts: one for believers, one for nuns. Until 1794 the nuns were strictly forbidden to cross the wall.
Archaeological excavations Milan
Excavations of imperial Palazzo in Milan - the remains of a Roman Imperial Palace. Imperial Roman Palace of Milan was an ancient structure built during the time of Augustus Maximian (approximately 291 of the year) when he made from Mediolanum, the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
The Church of Santa Maria Alla Porta, Milan
The Church of Santa Maria Alla Porta (Chiesa di Santa Maria alla Porta) was built in 1652 and designed by the architect Francesco Maria Richini.
Church attractive, especially the fact that her right side is a fresco that remains of the once ruined chapel.
The monument to the Middle finger in Milan
The monument to the Middle finger in Milan (Statua del Dito Medio) - the most extraordinary, the most controversial and perhaps the most unusual monument in Milan.
The monument is located on a Central square of Milan Affari in front of the headquarters of the Italian stock exchange and addressed to the financial tycoons of the city.
The work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan is the true name of "L. O. V. E.", better known simply as "the Finger" (Dito). The acronym L. O. V. E. stands for "freedom, hate, revenge, eternity" ("libertà, odio, vendetta, eternita"). Read more about monument to the Middle finger, or L. O. V. E. in Milan...
Basilica Di Sant'ambrogio Church, Milan
Basilica of Saint Ambrose or Basilica di Sant'ambrogio Church in Milan, also known as the Basilica di Sant'ambrogio is one of the oldest churches in Milan located in the historic centre of the city, facade, overlooking the homonymous square (Piazza Sant'ambrogio).
The Basilica was erected by the Holy Ambrose in 379-386, in the place where were buried many martyrs of the Roman persecution, so the original Basilica was called the Basilica of the Martyrs.
Under the altar is the crypt, where in a silver sarcophagus are the remains of three saints: Ambrose, Gervasius and Protasius. More about the Basilica of St. Ambrogio in Milan...
The Museum of Leonardo da Vinci, Milan
National Museum of science and technology Leonardo da Vinci (Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci) - the most famous Museum of Milan. The Museum has a large size, where one of the halls dedicated to the models made from the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci.
The Museum was opened in 1953 and is the largest scientific-technical Museum in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. The total Museum area is 50 000 m2. Today, the Museum owns the world's largest collection of machine models made from the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci.
The Museum's collections include 16 thousand historical assets and include certificates that represent the history of Italian science, technology and industry since the nineteenth century to the present day. The Museum collaborates with leading European and global scientific museums, and since 2003 is member of ECSITE.
The Museum is located in Via San Vittore 21, in the ancient monastery of San Vittore al Corpo, near the homonymous Church, near the place where Leonardo possessed some land.
The column of St. Lawrence and the Basilica of St. Lawrence, Milan
The column of St. Lawrence or the columns of San Lorenzo (Colonne di San Lorenzo) - a group of ancient Roman columns, consisting mainly of 16 high Corinthian columns in a row, located opposite the Basilica San Lorenzo in Milan.
St. Lawrence Basilica or the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore face to the same colonnade, and is one of the oldest churches in Milan. The original Church of San Lorenzo was built in Roman times and subsequently rebuilt several times during several centuries.
Near the Basilica are still some of the medieval gates of Milan - Ticinese, literally "the Medieval door of Titian" (Porta Ticinese Medievale). Together with the medieval Porta Nuova in Manzoni street, the ancient Porta Ticinese are one of the two medieval city gates that still exist in the modern Milan.
Gates open an area where you can see the Romanian Orthodox parish - Church of Santa Maria della Vitoria (Parrocchia Ortodossa Romena).
Basilica of Sant'eustorgio, Milan
Basilica of San Lorenzo is located near the city Park called the Park of Pope John Paul II (Parco Papa Giovanni Paolo II), best known by its historic name Basilicas Park, walking through which, from above the Basilica you can reach the Basilica of Sant'eustorgio or San Eustorgio, also of St. Eustorgius (Basilica di Sant'eustorgio).
For many years the Basilica was an important aspect for pilgrims on the way of their March to Rome, because, as he said, the Church was the tomb of the Three Magi or Three Kings.
The most striking feature of this Church is the fact that the apse is the Portinari chapel (1462-1468), was one of the most famous examples of Renaissance art in Lombardy. In the chapel are frescoes by Vincenzo Foppa and, an important Dominican monument, the Ark (tomb) of Saint Peter of Verona, which is replete with marble reliefs of the sculptor Giovanni di Balduccio. The entrance to the chapel is paid.
Porta Ticinese, Milan
Gate Ticinese (formerly known as Porta Cicca, and during Napoleon's rule as Porta Marengo) - the former city gate of Milan. The name "Porta Ticinese" is used to refer to the gate proper and to the surrounding area.
Currently Porta Ticinese is one of the iconic buildings of Milan and a popular tourist attraction.
The name "Porta Ticinese" means "Gate to the Ticino", referring to the Ticino river, which runs through the valley, to the South-West from Milan.
Gates are located near the channels with excellent quays is a beautiful place.
The Naviglio Grande, Milan
Naviglio Grande or the Grand canal - one of Milan's canals, located in the Naviglio district.
The biggest, most beautiful and visited Milan channel is the channel Naviglio Grande. And this is one of the most unusual places in Milan, unlike the other attractions of the city, walk along the embankments of the canal can be a great solution for a variety of leisure activities.
Along the canal Grande, on the promenade: a renovated historic building that has retained its former charm and become, as well as an abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants, there are stalls and shops with Souvenirs, Antiques, and other goods and trinkets.
Torino street, Milan
Torino (Via Torino) is one of the busiest and most interesting streets in the centre of Milan. After a trip to the canals of Milan, to return to the Duomo, we would recommend it is on the street.
On the street, interesting buildings, shops, cafes and hotels, as well as how we managed to see, on the face of this concentrated abundance of Milanese street food: burgers, fries, hot dogs, donuts, etc.
On the streets of Torino, you can visit:
- Catholic Church of St. Georg (Chiesa San Giorgio) is located in the eponymous square;
- the Church of St. Sebastian (Tempio di S. Sebastiano), also known as the Church of San Sebastiano is a sacred building in Milan. This is the Church of the Renaissance or Mannerism attracts the eye with its unusual shape - cylindrical, the Church has a dome shape with the dome. The temple of San Sebastiano was commissioned after the plague epidemic in 1576 and is open in honor of St. Sebastiano, and then named in his honor;
- Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro (Basilica of Saint Mary near Saint Satire / Basilica di Santa Maria presso San Satiro) Renaissance (1476-1482). located within walking distance from the Duomo square.
All accommodation facilities in Milan, including in the city center and more remote from it, can be viewed and booked here
