Milan is a locomotive of the Italian economy, a trendsetter of European fashion and a city with an ancient history. The Romans, Goths, Gauls, Franks and Lombards left their traces on its territory. Many Milanese cathedrals were founded in the first centuries AD, in the Middle Ages the city flourished under the rule of the ruling Sforza dynasty and the fertile seeds of the Renaissance gave their generous fruits in the lands of Lombardy.
Milan is known all over the world as the capital of fashion. Tens of thousands of tourists come here to attend fashion shows, shop at the best designer boutiques or go out and show themselves among the passionate fashion elite. For opera fans, a trip to the legendary Teatro alla Scala will be a real pleasure, where you can enjoy the sound of the best operatic voices.
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What to see and where to go in Milan?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Milan cathedral
The magnificent Cathedral of Milan, a striking representative of the graceful architectural trend of the flaming Gothic. The construction of the temple began in the XIV century, the decoration of some elements of the facade was completed only by 1965. The Milan Cathedral is entirely built of white marble, it is one of the most beautiful churches not only in Italy but throughout Europe. Inside there is a golden statue of the Madonna - the patroness of Milan.
La Scala Opera House
The theater is rightfully considered the best opera stage in the world. The austere and modest façade of the neoclassical building hides a luxurious auditorium with perfect acoustics. La Scala was opened in 1778, Salieri's opera "Recognized Europe" was chosen as the premiere. The first screenings of the great works of Verdi, Puccini, Bellini, Donizetti took place on the stage of the famous theater. E. Caruso, F. Chaliapin, M. Callas, L. Pavarotti and other famous soloists performed here at different times.
Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
A picturesque Milanese church at the Dominican monastery, built during the heyday of the Renaissance. The construction of the temple began under the reign of Duke Francesco Sforza I, who planned to place a family tomb here. The main attraction of the church is the splendid 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.
Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
One of the oldest churches in Western Europe. Presumably, the first church appeared on this site already in the 4th century AD, it served as an imperial chapel. The building, which has survived to this day, belongs to a later period, but the outer walls of the 4th century basilica have survived. On the church square there is a statue of the Roman emperor Constantine, under whom Christianity became an officially recognized religion.
Basilica of St. Ambrose
Temple of the IV century AD, presumably built with the participation of St. Ambrose of Mediolan. It is believed that the basilica was erected on the very spot where the first Christians were martyred. At first, the church was called the "Basilica of the 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 have survived and have survived to this day.
Pinakothek 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 renowned 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 the premises with the Academy of Arts.
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 the fight against 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, folios, medieval books (some date back to the 5th century AD), drawings by Leonardo da Vinci.
Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci
The exposition is located on the territory of the 16th century monastery. This is one of the most interesting museums in Milan. Here are presented the inventions of mankind, created in different historical periods. Visitors will see various models of engines, clocks, musical instruments, cars, telegraphs, telephones and other technical devices. The main hall is dedicated to the creative work of Leonardo da Vinci.
Poldi Pezzoli Museum
The first exhibits in the museum collection of Poldi Pezzoli were medieval weapons and armor from the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi-Pezzoli. Subsequently, the aristocrat's mansion was turned into a museum. It exhibits Italian antique furniture, sculptures, Flemish tapestries, Venetian glass and antique ceramics. Pictures form an impressive part of the collection.
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-accession 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.
Sforza castle
The majestic Castello Sforzesco is located in the historic center of Milan. It was built as a defensive fortress in the 15th century after the seizure of power by the Sforza family. 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 had become one of the richest and most luxurious ducal palaces in Italy. The castle survived Spanish rule and the rule of Napoleon. In the 19th century, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out.
Skyscraper Pirelli
High-rise building of the mid-20th century designed by architect D. Ponti. It was built by the decision of the head of the Pirelli company (an Italian manufacturer of automobile 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.
Velasca Tower
An Italian skyscraper that was once included in the list of the most unattractive structures in the world. It 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 hitting the ground. The building is included in the list of the main attractions of Milan, the city hall has appointed it one of the city symbols.
Monument to the Middle Finger
The monument is located in the central square opposite the building of the stock exchange. Many residents of the city do not like this controversial art object of contemporary art. The sculpture is a giant human hand with all but the middle fingers severed. The composition is very reminiscent of the well-known indecent gesture. The monument was created by the master Maurizzio Cattelan.
San Siro stadium
Arena of football clubs "Internationale" and "Milan", built at the beginning of the XX century. Initially, it was designed for 35 thousand seats, but as a result of extensions it could accommodate up to 65 thousand spectators.The stadium was renamed in 1979 in honor of the player Giuseppe Meazza. For the fans, this successful forward was an object of admiration. Both names of the football arena are used today. The San Siro regularly hosts concerts of famous bands.
Sempione Park
Milan City Park next to Castello Sforzesco. The territory is decorated with fountains and sculptures, lawns with fragrant flowers are scattered between the footpaths, the most picturesque space has been created for visitors. Every resident of Milan or a visitor to the city can relax under the shade of the Sempione trees. The park was organized at the end of the 19th century on the site of the ducal hunting grounds.
Monumental cemetery in Milan
Burial and at the same time a sculptural park in the open air. 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 gravestones are real works of art, each sculpture seemingly tries to surpass its neighbors in beauty and elegance.
Naviglio Grand Canal
Milan city canal, along which there is a street with the most famous and most visited shops, restaurants, art workshops in the city. Naviglio Grand is part of a system of five canals that have survived from the past. Several centuries ago, the Milanese wanted to turn their city into a kind of Venice, so intensive construction of canals began, but this idea quickly lost its popularity.
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II
The passage connecting the square near the Teatro alla Scala with the square of Milan Cathedral. The gallery was inaugurated in 1877 and named after King Victor Emmanuel II, who was present at 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 created by the most skilled craftsmen in Italy.
Milan's Golden Quadrangle
Haute couture 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 make custom-made shoes, dine in a restaurant for the fashionable establishment, or choose jewelry from the world's best jewelry brands.
