As the world’s capital of fashion, Milan attracts many visitors from all over the world. Located in northern Italy, Milan is an ancient city with many original monuments dating backing thousands of years ago. In the 3rd century BC, Milan served as the capital of the Western half of the Roman Empire. In 1796, Napoleon anointed Milan Capital of the Kingdom of Italy. Today, Milan is a major economic center in Italy, offering visitors sublime historical architecture, world-famous operas, high-end fashion retailers and the stunning Duomo di Milano.
Milan is a vibrant and diverse city. It is a city always on display. There are many things to see and do in Milan, from exploring artistic and architectural masterpieces to enjoying authentic espresso and gelato. You can admire the original fresco of Da Vinci’s The Last Supper, walk on the rooftop of the Duomo Church, and shop in the Grand Galleria. Let’s explore the most popular places: the ones you wouldn’t want to miss on your trip.
1. Duomo di Milano
Duomo di Milano, also known as Milan Cathedral, is one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Europe and the largest church in Italy. Construction of the Duomo took nearly six centuries to complete, involving more than 70 architects and engineers, including Leonardo da Vinci. The Duomo is made of marble, with numerous pinnacles and spires supported by flying buttresses. Since the building process spanned over six centuries, the style of Duomo’s façade is different from the ground to the top. The lower level is Renaissance in design while the higher level is Gothic style.
What makes the Duomo di Milano so special and unique is not only the intricately carved marble façade but also the exquisite rooftop terrace surrounded by about 135 gargoyles and 3,400 statues. The rooftop is open to visitors, allowing you to get close to see the finest sculptures and giving you a magical view out over Duomo Square, over the city, and all the way to the Alps to the North.
You can get up to the rooftop either by elevator or by a 919-step staircase. From there you can follow the clearly marked paths and walk around the entire rooftop. Purchasing tickets in advance will definitely save you some time waiting in the long lines.
Besides the magnificent rooftop, the inside of the Duomo is also worth exploring. The vast interior is decorated with beautiful stained-glass windows and elaborate carvings on both the ceiling and the Roman columns.
3. Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Built between 1864 and 1877, Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the oldest active shopping mall in Italy. This magnificent landmark is located on the Duomo Square, to your left as you are facing the Duomo Church. The Galleria is home to many world-famous designers’ shops, upscale restaurants, bars and cafes. The building itself is very impressive and worth touring. The architectural style reflects a popular design in the 19th century, with vaulted arcades covered by iron-and-glass roofs, intersecting in an octagonal gallery. The central gallery of the building is topped with an iron-and-glass dome, while the floor underneath is covered by four mosaics portraying the coat of arms of Milan and the three capitals of the Kingdom of Italy: Turin, Florence and Rome.
If you are visiting Milan during holiday season, be sure to visit Duomo Square after dark. With all festive decorations and lights lit up, the Duomo Square feels like a wonderland.
3. Teatro alla Scala
Teatro alla Scala is located to the north of the Duomo. If you walk through the Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and exit the other side, you will be in the Piazza della Scala, looking north across the square to the Teatro alla Scala.
Teatro alla Scala is one of the finest opera houses in the world and is renowned for its acoustic performance and opulence. It has hosted many great artists, including Paganini, Bellini, and Toscanini.
The inside of the Teatro alla Scala is more impressive than the building itself. It can host an audience of up to 3000 people. If you don’t plan to pay for a whole performance, you can join a guided tour to learn the history of this amazing opera house and see the inside.
3. Piazza della Scala
The Piazza della Scala is a pedestrian central square of Milan. It is a small but stylish square, connecting the Teatro alla Scala and the Galleria. In the middle of the piazza, you will see the statue of Leonardo da Vinci and his four disciples. The square occasionally hosts some local events on site.
5. Santa Maria delle Grazie
Santa Maria delle Grazie is located to the west of the Duomo. It is a church and a Dominican convent in an outstanding Gothic style architecture. However, Santa Maria della Grazie is more famous for its indissociable connection to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, one of the most famous artistic masterpieces in the world. The painting is on the wall of the dining room of the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Many people come from all over the world to admire Leonardo’s fresco, so the tickets for visiting it can be sold out months in advance, especially during the crowded season. Be sure to check online or by phone to book your tickets for visiting as early as possible.
6. Castello Sforzesco
Castello Sforzesco is located to the northwest of the Duomo. The castle was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, who ruled Milan during the Renaissance. It was built on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification and renovated and enlarged over the latter two centuries to became one of the largest citadels in Europe.
The castle’s rectangular defensive walls are made of red brick, with a major tower. It is even more amazing when you realize that the castle’s defenses were designed by da Vinci. This is one of so many great artworks left by da Vinci in Milan.
Today, Castello Sforzesco houses seven specialized museums chronicling Milan’s cultural and civic history, from the Museum of Ancient Art to the Antique Furniture & Wooden Sculpture Museum to the Museum of Rondanini Pietà where you can see Michelangelo’s last sculpture.
You can visit the Museums for free on every first Sunday of the month or after 2pm on every first and third Tuesday of the month.
7. Parco Sempione
Parco Sempione is located right next to the Castle Sforzesco, off the northwest entrance. Established in 1888, the Parco Sempione is the largest city park in central Milan, spanning 95 acres. The park offers very relaxing landscape to both locals and visitors.
It is a perfect place for taking a relaxing stroll away from the bustling streets. As you walk along the park you will see the Arco della Pace standing at the head of the Corso Sempione. The Arch is a symbol of peace reached between European nations with the congress of Vienna in 1815.
8. Pinacoteca di Brera
A few blocks to the east of the The Castello Sforzesco is the main picture gallery in Milan. The Pinacoteca di Brera hosts a wide ranging collection of Renaissance artworks dating from the 14th to the 20th century. The gallery is housed in a 19th century former monastery with a charming courtyard alongside the Accademia di Belli Arti in the Palazzo di Brera.
Milan is an amazing city, whether you want to spend a day, a weekend or a week there, you will always be surprised by its stunning architecture, authentic espressos, delicious food, and relaxing vibes. I hope you enjoy visiting Milan one day. See you in my next post!
