What to see in the vicinity of Milan? Sights of Milan – what to see? Milan beautiful places
Milan is the locomotive of the Italian economy, a trendsetter in European fashion and a city with an ancient history. The Romans, Goths, Gauls, Franks and Lombards left their traces on its territory. Many Milan cathedrals were founded in the first centuries of our era; in the Middle Ages, the city flourished under the ruling Sforza dynasty, and the fertile seeds of the Renaissance bore fruit in the lands of Lombardy.
Milan is known throughout the world as the capital of fashion. Tens of thousands of tourists come here to attend fashion shows, shop at top designer boutiques, or go out and show off among the fashion-conscious elite. For opera fans, a trip to the legendary La Scala theater will be a real pleasure, where you can enjoy the sound of the best opera voices.
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What to see and where to go in Milan?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
1. Milan Cathedral
The magnificent Milan Cathedral, a striking representative of the elegant architectural movement of Flamboyant Gothic. Construction of the temple began in the 14th century; finishing of some elements of the facade was completed only by 1965. The Milan Cathedral is built entirely of white marble; it is one of the most beautiful churches not only in Italy, but throughout Europe. Inside is a golden statue of Madonna, the patroness of Milan.
2. La Scala Opera House
The theater is rightfully considered the best opera stage in the world. Behind the austere and modest façade of the neoclassical building lies a luxurious auditorium with ideal acoustics. La Scala was opened in 1778, and Salieri's opera La Recognized Europe was chosen as the premiere production. The stage of the famous theater hosted the first showings of great works by Verdi, Puccini, Bellini, and Donizetti. E. Caruso, F. Chaliapin, M. Callas, L. Pavarotti and other famous soloists performed here at different times.
3. Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
A picturesque Milanese church attached to a Dominican monastery, built during the heyday of the Renaissance. Construction of the temple began under Duke Francesco Sforza I, who planned to place a family tomb here. The main attraction of the church is the luxurious fresco “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci. On it the master depicted the last supper of Jesus with his disciples, after which Christ was betrayed by Judas and crucified.
4. Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
One of the oldest churches in Western Europe. Presumably, the first church arose on this site already in the 4th century AD; it served as an imperial chapel. The building that has survived to this day belongs to a later period, but the outer walls of the basilica of the 4th century have survived. In the church square there is a statue of the Roman Emperor Constantine, under whom Christianity became an officially recognized religion.
5. Basilica of St. Ambrose
Temple of the 4th century AD, presumably built with the participation of St. Ambrose of Milan. It is believed that the basilica was erected on the very spot where the first Christians were martyred. At first the church was called “Basilica of Martyrs”. The building acquired a Romanesque appearance in the 11th century. During the bombing of Milan in 1943, the basilica was damaged, but the medieval buildings survived and are preserved to this day.
6. Pinacoteca Brera
Art gallery, an outstanding collection of Italian painters and sculptors. The 38 halls of the museum house paintings by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Lotto, Tintoretto and other famous masters. The museum collection also includes paintings by recognized artists from other countries - Goya, Rembrandt, El Greco. The Pinakothek is housed in a 16th-century palace and shares premises with the Academy of Arts.
7. Ambrosian Pinakothek
The oldest public library in Europe, founded at the beginning of the 17th century. The book collection was opened with the participation of the hierarchs of the Catholic Church. The main goal of the library was to fight the ideas of the Church Reformation, which very quickly spread throughout European countries. Over time, its own art gallery appeared here. The library contains unique manuscripts, tomes, medieval books (some dating back to the 5th century AD), and drawings by Leonardo da Vinci.
8. Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
The exhibition is located on the territory of a 16th-century monastery. This is one of the most interesting museums in Milan. Here are the inventions of mankind created in different historical periods. Visitors will see various models of engines, watches, musical instruments, cars, telegraphs, telephones and other technical devices. The main hall is dedicated to the creative work of Leonardo da Vinci.
9. Poldi Pezzoli Museum
The first exhibits of the Poldi Pezzoli museum collection were medieval weapons and armor from the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. Subsequently, the aristocrat's mansion was turned into a museum. Italian antique furniture, sculptures, Flemish tapestries, Venetian glass and antique ceramics are exhibited here. An impressive part of the collection consists of paintings.
10. Villa Reale
A classic palace and park ensemble of the late 18th – early 19th centuries. The palace was built for Count Belgioioso. For some time, the residence of Napoleon and his wife Josephine was located here. After the re-establishment of the Habsburg dynasty over Lombardy, the villa was used as a royal palace for the Austrian governors. Since 1921, the palace has housed the Museum of Modern Art.
11. Sforza Castle
The majestic Castello Sforzesco is located in the historical center of Milan. It was built as a defensive fortress in the 15th century after the Sforza family seized power. The luxurious interiors of the castle were created with the participation of Bramante and Leonardo da Vinci. By the end of the 15th century, Sforzesco became one of the richest and most luxurious ducal palaces in Italy. The castle survived Spanish rule and the reign of Napoleon. In the 19th century, large-scale reconstruction was carried out.
12. Pirelli Skyscraper
A high-rise building of the mid-20th century designed by the architect D. Ponti. It was built by the decision of the head of the Pirelli company (Italian manufacturer of car tires). The building was used as the headquarters and production facilities of the organization. The tower became known as the first skyscraper in Italy. The height of the structure is 127 meters. Today, the Pirelli skyscraper houses office space.
13. Velasca Tower
An Italian skyscraper that was once included in the list of the most unattractive buildings in the world. This is a mid-20th century building with elements of neo-modernism, symbolizing a medieval bastion. The shape of the tower resembles a mushroom or a giant rocket crashing into the ground. The building is included in the list of main attractions of Milan; the city hall has designated it as one of the city symbols.
14. Monument to the Middle Finger
The monument is located in the central square opposite the stock exchange building. Many city residents do not like this controversial piece of contemporary art. The sculpture represents a giant human hand with all fingers severed except the middle one. The composition is very reminiscent of a well-known indecent gesture. The monument was created by master Maurizzio Cattelan.
15. San Siro Stadium
Arena of the Internazionale and Milan football clubs, built at the beginning of the 20th century. Initially it was designed for 35 thousand seats, but as a result of expansions it could accommodate up to 65 thousand spectators. The stadium was renamed in 1979 in honor of the player Giuseppe Meazza. For fans, this successful forward was an object of admiration. These days, both names for the football arena are used. Concerts of famous bands are regularly held at San Siro.
16. Park Sempione
Milan city park next to Castello Sforzesco. The territory is decorated with fountains and sculptures, lawns with fragrant flowers are scattered between the pedestrian paths, and the most picturesque space has been created for visitors. Every resident of Milan or guest of the city can relax under the canopy of Sempione trees. The park was established at the end of the 19th century on the site of the ducal hunting grounds.
17. Monumental Cemetery in Milan
A burial site and at the same time an open-air sculpture park. Here are the graves of famous people - writers, composers, artists. The great musical genius of Italy, Giuseppe Verdi, is buried in the cemetery. Crypts and tombstones are real works of art; each sculpture seems to be trying to surpass its neighbors in beauty and elegance.
18. Naviglio Grand Canal
The city canal of Milan, along which there is a street with the most famous and visited shops, restaurants, and art workshops in the city. The Naviglio Grand is part of a system of five canals that have been preserved from past times. Several centuries ago, the Milanese wanted to turn their city into a semblance of Venice, so intensive construction of canals began, but this idea quickly lost popularity.
19. Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II
A passage connecting the square near the La Scala theater with the square of the Milan Cathedral. The gallery was inaugurated in 1877 and named after King Victor Emmanuel II, who attended the ceremony. The structure is built in the shape of a Latin cross, with one entrance at each end. The gallery is decorated with mosaic frescoes and statues, which were created by the most skilled craftsmen in Italy.
20. “Golden Quadrilateral” of Milan
High fashion district, popular shopping destination. The best boutiques in Italy are located here. In the “Golden Quadrangle” you can not only buy clothes from designers Valentino, Prado, Ferragamo, Dolce, but also have shoes made to order, dine in a restaurant for the fashion establishment, or choose jewelry from the world's best jewelry brands.
It is quite possible to explore the sights of Milan in a couple of days on your own, and a map, guidebook and reviews of travelers who have been here will help you decide where to go.
Dimitris Kamaras / flickr.com
In Milan there are not as many attractions interesting to tourists as in Rome or in. Many travelers are left with the impression of the city as a rapidly developing modern center, and tourist reviews mainly describe shopping, various events during Fashion Week, open training sessions of the famous football club and visiting the annual Furniture Fair.
But Milan is a place with a history of more than 2,500 years, for some time this city was the official capital of the Western Roman Empire, and in the Middle Ages - the de facto capital of financiers, the largest commercial, trading and banking center in Italy, a stronghold of middle-class prosperity.
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The sights of Milan on the map in any of the guidebooks intended for independent travel around this city are associated with the Middle Ages. If you are interested in organized guided excursions, you can see the most interesting ones and book a ticket for them on the websites and.
Even in one day in Milan you can see a lot of interesting things.
Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This is the most architecturally complex and one of the most majestic Gothic cathedrals in all of Europe.
The Duomo di Milano, as the townspeople call it, is the largest cathedral in Italy and the fifth largest in the world. When visiting, you need to see the museum exhibition, the crypt, terraces and courtyard, archaeological excavation area, and the roof.
The Cathedral is located in the very center, on Piazza del Duomo. The easiest way to get there is by metro, you will need the M3 (yellow) or M1 (red) lines, you need to get off at Piazza del Duomo station.
Kevin Poh / flickr.com
The cathedral is open daily from 8:00 to 19:00, the terraces and roof can be viewed from 9:00. The cost of tickets depends on what will be included in the inspection:
- Minimum – 2 euros.
- Full – 12 euros.
The services of guides are also available here, guides work only in Italian and English, the cost of services averages 16-18 euros, but there is no particular need for them. You can see everything yourself, and if you are interested in something, translate the text from the information sign using an online translator.
The church is located on Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, building 2. The easiest way to get here is by taking the main metro line M1 (red) to Conciliazione station or to Cadorna station. The church is located between them.
FouPic/flickr.com
For visitors, the doors of Santa Maria are open daily from 7:00 to 19:00, with a break between 12:00 and 15:00. 25 people are allowed into the room with the Last Supper, so you should “sign up in line” and then go wander around the church.
The entrance fee is 14 euros. In addition to the works of Leonardo, the church has a lot of interesting things, including legends concerning the difficult fate of the patrons of this place, briefly outlined on information plaques.
This is one of the oldest and most beautiful functioning shopping centers in the world. You can wander here for hours; in addition to the endless shops and restaurants, the interweaving of galleries has very interesting architecture, incredibly colorful areas for photography and, of course, it is not for nothing that it is included in the list of the main attractions of Milan.
Kylie & Rob (and Helen) / flickr.com
The gallery is located in Piazza del Duomo, a little away from the Cathedral. The easiest way to get there is by metro, along the M1 (red) line to the station square of the same name.
The gallery rows are open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.
Built in the 14th century on the remains of an ancient Roman citadel, regularly fortified and added to, the castle of the Dukes of Milan was the largest fortress in all of Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Kent Wang / flickr.com
Now here is the Museum d’Arte Antica, whose collections include masterpieces by Renaissance masters and many other equally interesting exhibits. There are also rooms with modern works of art.
The castle is located on Piazza Castello, the easiest way to get there is by metro, to any of the stations - Cadorna or Cairoli on the M1 line (red) or to Lanza station on the M2 line (green).
The entrance ticket costs 8 euros, children – 4 euros. The castle is open daily, from 7:00 to 18:00 in winter and until 19:00 in summer.
One of the leading opera houses, which became famous after A. Salieri’s opera “L’Europa Riconosciuta” was staged there in 1778.
JohnPickenPhoto / flickr.com
The theater with its ornate red and gold decoration of the hall not only has rare acoustics, but is also an attraction of interest to all travelers in Milan and throughout Italy. However, the unique acoustics of these stages can be explained by the fact that until the mid-14th century there was the Basilica of Santa Maria della Scala, which, in turn, occupied an earlier religious building.
The theater is located on Via Filodrammatici, building 2. It is literally in an alley from the square with the Cathedral. The easiest way to get there is by metro, along the M1 (red) line to Piazza del Duomo station.
Anna & Michal / flickr.com
There is a museum at the theater, with an exhibition that tells primarily about everything related to the history of La Scala.
The museum's opening hours are daily, except holidays, from 9:00 to 17:30, there is a break from 12:30 to 13:30. Ticket price – 7 euros, for children – 3.5 euros.
As for the theater itself, it is better to book tickets in advance, however, it is still worth checking out the box office. Quite often, for matinee performances, several dozen tickets are on direct sale on the day of the performance. During the day there are 4 performances at La Scala, starting at 14:00 and ending at 16:00. In the evening there are three performances, at 18:00, 19:00 and 20:00.
A real miniature Venice. The canal network began to be built back in the 12th century for the purpose of transporting freight. Where many people now walk, admiring the medieval ornate view of Milan, where there are many cafeterias, souvenir shops and pastry shops, there used to be the back doors of barns and warehouses, on which hung large alarm bells and ring handles that allowed you to knock on the door.
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Each unloaded bag or box had security seals with the coat of arms of the trading house that owned both the goods themselves and the warehouse with a pier. The same coat of arms adorned the bell on the doors and the ring handle.
Some restaurants along the canal promenade have preserved these antique elements that serve decorative functions. And from the once unloading mini-piers, small boats with excursions and boats now depart, offering either a “walk for lovers” with all possible surroundings, including flowers, or just a boat trip along the canal.
In addition to the walking area, there is also an antiques market, flea markets, and various mini-fairs. Along the canals there are very colorful and interesting shops selling everything, like consignment shops. If you want, you can really find something extremely interesting and even rare in them, for relatively little money.
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It is also worth visiting the Basilica of St. Christopher, with one of the oldest bell towers in all of Italy, carved wooden sculptures, ancient frescoes made long before the Renaissance and part of the wall made of burnt stone with ancient coats of arms. The temple is active, that is, entry is free.
Also in the canal area there is an interesting small church of St. Eustorgio with a small museum exhibition and a small early Christian necropolis. The temple is also active, but you still need to leave a donation.
You can get here by metro, to Porta Genova station on the M2 line (green) or by tram. Tram number 2 will take you from the center for 1 euro directly to the Grand Canal. Stop – Porta Genova.
What else to see?
While getting acquainted with the sights of Milan, you should not forget about its surroundings. First of all, these are, of course, world-famous outlets. Outlets are entire villages of shops selling collections of fashion houses, familiar to everyone who has learned the intricacies of the art of shopping.
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All items for sale are real, and the price is very low. Outdated collections from previous seasons are simply presented for sale. However, Milan is focused not on high fashion, but on pre-a-porter, that is, the only differences will be in the size of the lock on the bag or the slits on the skirt.
There are a lot of outlets around Milan, and you can get to them in different ways. It is most convenient to use the services of the carrier agency Zani Viaggi Agency. It specializes in outlets, it will provide all the relevant information and take you along the chosen route; you won’t have to wait long until there are enough passengers for the trip.
The office is located at Foro Bonaparte, building 76. It is easier to get there by metro to Cairoli station on the M1 line (red).
The outskirts of Milan are not only a paradise for shopaholics, but also many picturesque medieval villages and alpine lakes. The easiest way to get there is by train, either from the main station Milano Centrale or from Milano Porta Garibaldi station. The journey takes from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the chosen lake, and getting to know the local flavor takes about half a day.
For an independent trip to the surrounding area, you need a good guidebook in Russian, and a map of the surrounding area of Milan usually remains unclaimed.
Video: sights of Milan in 1 day.
What do you need to know?
The most convenient way to get around in Milan is the metro. The metro map is extremely clear and understandable, and the names of the stations usually coincide with the names of the squares or the names of places of interest to tourists.
The metro fare is as follows:
- 1.5 euros – one-time trip;
- 10 euros – travel card for 10 trips;
- 4.5 euros – a card giving the right to travel for 24 hours.
Hans Bastmeijer / flickr.com
Tickets must be punched at the entrance to the station; the fine for an unpaid trip is 100 euros.
The metro operates from 6:30 to 0:30, travel documents are sold almost everywhere, including at ATMs at any of the stations.
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 the notable 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. You can admire a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding areas from 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 has long been known as the capital of fashion and style in Italy, however, in addition to elite shopping and fashion shows, there is a lot to see in Milan. The basis of Milan's attractions is the interweaving of numerous architectural styles, as well as churches, of which there are many in Milan.
In this article we will tell you about the most interesting sights of the city, ranking them not in order of importance or popularity, but in order of convenience of visiting, if you take the famous Milan Cathedral as the starting point for routes around the city. This article is also suitable on the topic: What to see in Milan in 1-2-3 days.
Well, for those who have only a couple of hours in Milan, or want to see the city from an unusual side, and also make a trip outside of Milan, we can recommend excursions from local guides in Russian.
Sights of Milan
Piazza Duomo, Milan
Duomo Square or Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) is the main, most visited and largest square in the historical center of Milan.
Cathedral Square marks the center of the city, both in a geographical sense and because of its importance from an artistic, cultural and social point of view. It’s not for nothing that Piazza Duomo is called the heart of Milan!
The center of the square is decorated monument to the first king of Italy- Victor Emmanuel II.
Around the square are concentrated the most outstanding and important sights not only of Milan, but also of Italy as a whole, as well as some of the most prestigious commercial areas of the city.
Thus, the most outstanding buildings of Piazza Duomo are:
- Milan Cathedral(Duomo di Milano), after which the square itself is named.
First of all, the Milan Cathedral is famous for its eye-catching architecture in the Flamboyant style, as well as for the fact that it is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. This is not just a Cathedral - it is the main attraction and symbol of Milan, as well as one of the most capacious churches in Europe.
- Royal Palace(Palazzo Reale di Milano) - for a long time was the residence of the rulers of Milan. Today the palace serves as a cultural center and is home to displays and exhibitions. The palace houses the Duomo Museum. Also here is the church of the Royal Palace - San Gottardo in Corte.
Opposite the Royal Palace is Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II(Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II) is another outstanding structure of the Duomo Square.
The Gallery is the oldest shopping center in Italy and is a passage where elite boutiques and stores of famous world brands of clothing and shoes are located. In addition to shops, the gallery has many cafes, restaurants and snack bars.
The Milanese shopping gallery connects the square in front of the Milan Cathedral with the square in front of La Scala Theatre.
La Scala, Milan
La Scala Opera House (Teatro alla Scala) - the most famous theater in Milan, was opened on August 3, 1778 and takes its name from the church of Santa Maria alla Scala, which was demolished to make way for the construction of the Ducal Teatro Alla Scala Nuovo Regio.
The Teatro alla Scala is considered one of the most prestigious theaters in the world. Throughout its history, the walls of the theater have hosted the most famous artists in the international field of opera, and more generally classical music.
The façade of La Scala Theater faces the square of the same name (Piazza della Scala), the center of which is decorated with the monument to Leonardo da Vinci (Statua di Leonardo da Vinci).
And along the perimeter of the square and near it there are:
- one of the Leonardo museums(Leonardo3 Museum)
- art Gallery(Gallerie d'Italia)
- Catholic Church of San Fedele(Chiesa di San Fedele), built in the 16th century by order of St. Charles Borromeo to house the Society of Jesus.
Bronze with Arnald Pomodoro sculpture(Disco di Arnaldo Pomodoro)
Golden Quadrilateral, Milan
The Golden Quadrilateral of Milan, or as it is also called the Golden Square of Milan (Quadrilatero d’Oro) is the most prestigious, most elite and most expensive shopping place in the center of Milan.
The Golden Quadrilateral is no longer just a place for luxury shopping, but is also included in the list of attractions in Milan.
The streets of the golden quadrangle contain such pearls of world design art as: Gucci, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Prada, Tod’s, Bulgari, Chanel, Dior, VALENTINO, etc. In addition to salons and luxury boutiques, there are restaurants and hotels in the quadrangle.
Venice street, Milan
Venice Street (Corso Venezia) is one of the central streets of the historical center of Milan.
Corso Venezia starts from the pleasant Piazza San Babila, where there is a fountain and an interesting sculpture “The Nobility of Time”.
Also at the beginning of the street you can see a small one with the same name Catholic Church(Basilica di San Babila). San Babila was the thirteenth bishop of Antioch. The cult of Saint Babila, widespread in the East, soon also arrived in the West, especially in France, Switzerland and Spain. In Italy he is revered, as in Milan, and in Cremona and Florence as a defender of priestly purity and chastity.
Venice Street will lead to one of the main gates of Milan - Porta Venice(Porta Venezia) and Guardini Park(Giardini Pubblici).
Near the park there are:
- Villa Reale(Villa Reale di Milan), now Villa Comunale, formerly Villa Belgioso or Villa Belgioso-Bonaparte, is a villa built between 1790 and 1796 by the architect Leopoldo Pollack, commissioned by Count Ludovico Barbiano di Belgioso. This royal villa is one of the main monuments of Milanese neoclassicism;
One of the main gates of the medieval route of Milan - arches of Porta Nuova(Archi di Porta Nuova).
Porat Nuova, Milan
Porta Nuova literally “New Gate” (Porta Nuova) is one of the city gates of Milan. The Pora Nuova Gate was built in 1810 in the neoclassical style and is well preserved to this day.
The gate is 800 meters from Guardini Park. The New Gate is attractive, first of all, because it is the living embodiment of old and new Milan, and is located exactly on the border of two worlds, which is clearly visible to the naked eye. On one side of the gate is old Milan (historic center) and on the other is the main business district of Milan.
Just behind Porta Nuova (just 67 meters from them), in the new part of the city, there is a large supermarket Carrefour Market - Supermercato with a decent selection of food.
You can spend one day exploring the above-mentioned attractions of Milan and shopping. While the second or second or third should be devoted to the following attractions:
St. Mark's Basilica, Milan
St. Mark's Basilica or di San Marco (Basilica di San Marco) is one of the most beautiful buildings in Milan.
The facade of the church is in the neo-Gothic style, with a characteristic structure and brickwork, while the lower part of the pilasters is made of marble blocks. The 14th-century bell tower, which has a quadrangular plan and a conical point, was restored and completed in 1885.
The interior decoration of the Church of St. Mark, on the one hand, is very simple, and on the other, elegant and attractive.
Brera Quarter, Milan
Brera is one of the oldest quarters of Milan.
This quarter is primarily attractive because since ancient times it has been famous for its bohemianism. It is here that you will find: the State Academy of Fine Arts with the famous and largest art gallery in Milan, the Pinacoteca di Brera, and the Brera Botanical Garden.
The most touristically developed, visited and, in our opinion, interesting streets of the Brera quarter are:
- part of the street of the same name Brera(Via Brera), starting from the main historical building of the area - Palazzo Brera, where the Academy and Pinacoteca Brera are located, to Pontaccio Street.
Narrow streets of Fiori Chiari And Madonnina, where: an abundance of cafes, restaurants and bars, souvenir shops and small shops located on the first floors of ancient buildings.
Basilica of San Simpliciano, Milan
The Basilica or Parish Church of San Simpliciano is a beautiful embodiment of architecture and Romanesque style. One of the churches in Milan, designed in the form of a Latin cross, first built by Saint Ambrose. The basilica is dedicated to Saint Simplician, Bishop of Milan.
Strehler Theater, Milan
The Little Strehler Theater or Piccolo Teatro Strehler is a dramatic theater in Milan, bearing the honorary title of the theater of Europe.
This theater was founded on May 14, 1947 by Giorgio Strehler, Paolo Grassi and his wife Nina Vinci Grassi. The theater's repertoire is artistic, but mixed productions are also staged within its walls.
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 a previous fortification dating back to the fourteenth century.
Throughout its long history, the castle has undergone significant transformations several times. In the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe. Currently, the Sforzesco Castle is home to important cultural institutions and tourist sites.
The Sforza Castle is located in the historical center of Milan, on the castle square (Piazza Castello) and symbolizes the main entrance to Sempione Park.
Currently, the castle has been restored and welcomes guests with open arms. From the outside of the castle you can see imposing walls and towers, as well as several gates, i.e. You can get into the castle from four sides, along bridges spanning moats.
In front of the main entrance to the castle, on Piazza Castello you can see the eponymous fountain(Fontana di Piazza Castello), shaped like a cake and popularly called "A wedding cake".
Park Sempione, Milan
Sempione Park (Parco Sempione) in Milan is a large city park that was laid out at the end of the nineteenth century on the site of the former parade ground of the Sforzesco Castle.
The park has a lot of greenery, a lake inhabited by ducks, majestic plane trees, walking paths, places to relax, fountains, a children's and basketball courts, and a small cafe.
The park contains such attractions as:
- Bridge of Little Mermaids or simply the Mermaid Bridge (Ponte delle Sirenette) - the first cast iron bridge in Italy;
- historical monument Arch of Peace(Arco della Pace) - triumphal arch, one of the main neoclassical monuments of Milan, located in the northern part of the park;
- equestrian monument to Napoleon III(Monumento a Napoleone III);
- Torre Branca tower(Torre Branca) at the top of which there is an observation deck where you can climb and admire Milan and the surrounding area from a bird's eye view;
- aquarium(Acquario Civico di Milano);
- Milan Triennale(La Triennale di Milano) - museum of design and art. An international cultural institution that hosts exhibitions, conferences and various art events.
Church of Santa Maria del Grazie, Milan
The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the main attractions of Milan.
It is the main church of the Dominican monastery, within the walls of which, in the refectory, there is the famous fresco by Leonardo da Vinci - The Last Supper (Cenacolo Vinciano). Leonardo painted the Last Supper on the wall in the refectory of the monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazie by order of Ludovico il Moro between 1494 and 1497.
The construction of the monastery dates back to 1469. On the night of August 15, 1943, the refectory was bombed by Anglo-American aircraft, but miraculously Leonardo's fresco was not damaged. In 1980, the entire monastery complex was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can view the fresco for a fee. The cost of a full adult ticket is 12 Euro. Check the opening hours, prices and ticket purchases on the official website.
Church of Di San Nicolao, Milan
The Church of San Nicolao (Chiesa Di San Nicolao) is a small church in Milan, originally built in 1259.
Church of the monastery of San Maurizio al Maggiore, Milan
The Church of San Maurizio is located in the Maggiore Monastery (Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore).
The temple was originally attached to the most important Benedictine convent, which is now used as an archaeological museum.
Construction of the church began in 1503 and was completed only fifteen years later. The building was divided into two parts: one for believers, one for nuns. Until 1794, nuns were strictly forbidden to cross the partition.
Archaeological site, Milan
Palazzo imperial excavations in Milan - remains of the Roman Imperial Palace. The Imperial Roman Palace of Milan was an ancient structure built during the time of Augustus Maximian (about 291 years later) when he made Mediolanum the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
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.
The church is attractive, first of all, because on its right side there is a fresco that remains from a once destroyed chapel.
Monument to the Middle Finger in Milan
The Monument to the Middle Finger in Milan (Statua del Dito Medio) is the most extraordinary, the most scandalous and, perhaps, the most unusual monument in Milan.
The monument is located on one of the central squares of Milan, Affari, opposite the headquarters of the Italian Stock Exchange and faces the financial tycoons of the city.
The work of Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan is truly titled “L.O.V.E.”, better known simply as “The Finger” (Dito). The abbreviation L.O.V.E. means “freedom, hatred, revenge, eternity” (“liberta, odio, vendetta, eternita”).
Ambrosian Basilica, Milan
The Basilica of St. Ambrose or the Ambrosian Basilica in Milan, also known as the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio (Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio) is one of the oldest churches in Milan, located in the historical center of the city, with a facade overlooking the square of the same name (Piazza Sant'Ambrogio).
The basilica was erected by Saint Ambrose in the years 379-386, in the place where numerous martyrs of Roman persecution were buried, therefore, the basilica was originally called the Basilica of Martyrs.
Under the altar there is a crypt, where in a silver sarcophagus are the remains of three saints: Ambrose, Gervasius and Protasius.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum, Milan
National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci (Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci) is the most famous museum in Milan. The museum is large in size, with one of the halls dedicated to models made from drawings by Leonardo da Vinci.
The museum was opened in 1953 and is the largest scientific and technical museum in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. The total area of the museum is 50,000 m². Today the museum owns the world's largest collection of car models based on the drawings of Leonardo da Vinci.
The museum's collections number 16 thousand historical assets and include evidence representing the history of Italian science, technology and industry, from the nineteenth century to the present day. The museum cooperates with leading European and world science museums, and since 2003 has been a member of ECSITE.
The museum is located at Via San Vittore 21 in the ancient monastery of San Vittore el Corpo(San Vittore al Corpo), next to the church of the same name, near the place where Leonardo owned some lands.
Column of St. Lawrence and Basilica of St. Lawrence, Milan
Column of St. Lawrence or the Columns of San Lorenzo (Colonne di San Lorenzo) - a group of ancient Roman columns, consisting mainly of 16 tall Corinthian columns in a row, located opposite the Basilica of San Lorenzo in the center of Milan.
Basilica of St. Lawrence or the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore (Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore) faces the colonnade of the same name and is one of the oldest churches in Milan. The Church of San Lorenzo was originally built during Roman times and was subsequently rebuilt several times over several centuries.
Near the basilica there are another medieval gate of Milan - Ticinese, literally “Titian’s Medieval Door” (Porta Ticinese Medievale). Together with the medieval Porta Nuova on Via Manzoni, the ancient Porta Ticinese is one of two medieval city gates that still exist in modern Milan.
The gate opens into a square where you can see the Romanian Orthodox parish - Church of Santa Maria della Vitoria(Parrocchia Ortodossa Romena).
Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio, Milan
The 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 for its historical name Basilicas Park, walking through which you can walk from the above-mentioned basilica to the Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio or Sant'Eustorgio , also St. Eustorgio (Basilica di Sant "Eustorgio).
For many years, the basilica was an important aspect for pilgrims on their procession to Rome because the church was said to contain the tomb of the Three Wise Men or Three Kings.
The most striking feature of this church is the fact that behind the apse is the Portinari Chapel (1462-1468), one of the most famous examples of Renaissance art in Lombardy. The chapel contains frescoes by Vincenzo Foppa and, an important Dominican monument, the Ark (tomb) of St. Peter of Verona, which is replete with marble relief images by the sculptor Giovanni di Balduccio. Entrance to the chapel is paid.
Porta Ticinese, Milan
Porta Ticinese (formerly known as Porta Cicca and during Napoleon's reign as Porta Marengo) is the former city gate of Milan. The name "Porta Ticinese" is used both for the gate itself and for the surrounding area.
Today, Porta Ticinese is one of the iconic buildings of Milan and a popular tourist attraction.
The name "Porta Ticinese" means "Gateway to Ticino", referring to the Ticino River, which runs through the Po Valley, southwest of Milan.
The gate is located near canals with beautiful embankments - a wonderful place.
Canal Naviglio Grande, Milan
Naviglio Grande or Grand Canal is one of the canals of Milan located in the Naviglio district.
The largest, most beautiful and most visited canal in Milan is the Naviglio Grande Canal. And this is one of the most unusual places in Milan; unlike other attractions of the city, a walk along the canal embankments can be an excellent solution for a variety of leisure activities.
Along the Canal Grande, on the promenades: restored historical buildings that have retained their former appearance and charm, as well as an abundance of cafes, bars and restaurants, there are tents and shops with souvenirs, antiques and other goods and trinkets.
Via Torino, Milan
Torino (Via Torino) is one of the busiest and most interesting streets in the center of Milan. After taking a walk along the canal embankments of Milan and returning to the Duomo Cathedral, we would recommend taking this street.
On the street there are interesting architectural buildings, shops, cafes and hotels, and also, as we were able to notice, it is on this face that the abundance of Milanese street food is concentrated: burgers, potatoes, hot dogs, donuts, etc.
On Torino Street you can visit:
- Catholic Church of San Georgio(Chiesa San Giorgio) located on the square of the same name;
- Church of Saint Sebastian(Tempio di S. Sebastiano), also known as the Church of San Sebastiano, is a sacred building in Milan. This Renaissance or Mannerist church attracts the eye with its unusual shapes - the cylindrical church has the shape of a cupola with a cupola. The Temple of San Sebastiano was commissioned after the end of the plague in 1576 and opened in honor of Saint Sebastiano, after which it was named after him;
- Church of Santa Maria Presso San Satiro(Basilica of Saint Mary near Saint Satyr/Basilica di Santa Maria presso San Satiro) in the Renaissance style (1476-1482), located within walking distance from Piazza Duomo.
