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Introduction
Milan, the capital of Lombardy in northern Italy, is the country's second-most populous city and its economic powerhouse. This dynamic metropolis seamlessly blends historical grandeur with modern innovation, housing iconic landmarks such as the Gothic Duomo cathedral, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper at Santa Maria delle Grazie, and the prestigious La Scala opera house. As one of the world's leading fashion capitals and a global financial centre, Milan draws millions of visitors annually, ranking as Italy's second most visited city after Rome and the fifth most visited in Europe. The city's rich cultural landscape encompasses numerous museums, art galleries, and architectural marvels, from the medieval Castello Sforzesco to the contemporary skyscrapers of Porta Nuova, while its vibrant districts like Navigli and Brera offer exceptional dining and entertainment experiences.
Interesting Facts about Milan
- Milan's iconic Duomo di Milano took nearly 600 years to complete, with construction spanning from 1386 to 1965.
- The city houses Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper, painted directly onto a monastery wall in Santa Maria delle Grazie.
- Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, features a "whispering gallery" where sounds travel along its arched ceiling.
- The Madonnina statue atop the Duomo inspired a tradition requiring all taller buildings to host miniature replicas of the Virgin Mary figure.
- Milan’s Navigli canal system, partially designed by Leonardo da Vinci, once transported marble for the Duomo’s construction.
- The city’s Pirelli Tower, Italy’s first skyscraper, held the title of the country’s tallest building for over 50 years.
- Aperitivo culture thrives in Milan, with free buffets of snacks served alongside evening drinks in bars from 19:00 to 21:00.
- Teatro alla Scala, Europe’s largest opera house, opens its season annually on 7 December to honour Milan’s patron saint, Ambrose.
- San Siro Stadium hosts both AC Milan and Inter Milan, whose rivalry is among football’s most intense derbies.
- Milan briefly had its own Statue of Liberty in the 19th century, predating New York’s by decades.
History
Milan was founded by the Celtic Insubres tribe around 600 BCE, who named their settlement Medhelan. The Romans conquered the area in 222 BCE, renaming it Mediolanum, which meant 'central place'. The city grew in importance until it became the capital of the Western Roman Empire in 286 CE, second only to Rome itself. A pivotal moment in Roman history occurred in Milan in 313 CE when Emperors Constantine and Licinius issued the Edict of Milan, legalising Christianity across the Roman Empire.
The city faced numerous invasions and changes in power throughout its history. Attila the Hun sacked Milan in 452 CE, followed by the Goths who devastated it in 539 CE. The city later came under Lombard rule in 569, followed by Charlemagne's Frankish empire in 774. Milan experienced a golden age under the Visconti family (1277-1447) and the Sforza family (1450-1535). During the Sforza period, the city flourished culturally and economically, attracting luminaries such as Leonardo da Vinci, who painted The Last Supper on the wall of Santa Maria delle Grazie's monastery dining room.
Through subsequent centuries, Milan was ruled by various powers, including the Spanish and French monarchies, and became part of Napoleon's empire from 1796 to 1814. The city played a crucial role in the Italian Risorgimento, with the famous Five Days of Milan rebellion against Austrian rule occurring in March 1848. After joining the Kingdom of Italy in 1859, Milan developed into a major industrial and financial centre. During World War II, the city suffered extensive damage from Allied bombing but recovered to become Italy's leading financial centre and second most populous city. Today, Milan is renowned as a global fashion capital, hosting biannual Fashion Weeks as part of the 'Big Four' alongside Paris, London, and New York.
Main Attractions
Duomo di Milano
The Duomo di Milano stands as one of the world's most magnificent cathedrals and serves as the iconic symbol of Milan. This breathtaking masterpiece of Gothic architecture, whose construction began in 1386 and remarkably took nearly 600 years to complete, is Italy's largest church and the world's second-largest Catholic cathedral. The cathedral's distinctive pink-hued façade, crafted from Candoglia marble, features an astonishing collection of 3,400 statues and countless spires, making it the building with the most statues in the world. Its most notable feature is the golden Madonnina statue, perched atop the tallest spire at 108 metres high. The vast interior, capable of holding 40,000 visitors, boasts five naves supported by 40 massive stone pillars, whilst the rooftop terraces offer spectacular views stretching to the Italian Alps. Today, the cathedral continues to captivate millions of visitors with its intricate details, stunning stained glass windows, and remarkable architectural achievements, standing as a testament to centuries of artistic devotion.
Milan Cathedral
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II stands as Italy's oldest active shopping gallery and one of Milan's most iconic landmarks. This magnificent four-storey arcade, designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and built between 1865 and 1877, features a stunning glass-vaulted roof and connects two of Milan's most famous sites: the Duomo and Teatro alla Scala. Affectionately known as 'il salotto di Milano' (Milan's living room), this elegant structure houses luxury boutiques, prestigious restaurants, and historic cafés, all featuring distinctive gold lettering on black backgrounds. The gallery's architectural splendour is enhanced by patriotic mosaics, including the famous bull mosaic in the central octagon, where tradition dictates spinning one's heel three times on the bull's testicles for good luck. The cruciform layout culminates in a majestic octagonal space topped by a 47-metre-high glass dome, making it not just a shopping destination but a testament to 19th-century architectural innovation and Italian unity.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Castello Sforzesco (Sforza Castle)
The magnificent Castello Sforzesco stands as one of Milan's most iconic landmarks and one of Europe's largest castles. Originally built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, this impressive fortress evolved from a medieval stronghold into a Renaissance masterpiece. Today, the castle houses several world-class museums showcasing an extraordinary collection of art and artefacts, including Michelangelo's final masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini. Visitors can explore the castle's massive walls, towers, and beautiful courtyards free of charge, whilst the museums, which are open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 to 17:30, require a modest entrance fee. The castle's architectural highlights include the 70-metre Torre del Filarete and the Sala delle Asse, featuring remarkable ceiling paintings by Leonardo da Vinci. Located in the heart of Milan, the castle connects to the verdant Parco Sempione, making it an essential stop for anyone visiting this vibrant Italian city.
Castello Sforzesco
Arco della Pace
This Neo-Classical marble arch, commissioned by Napoleon, stands at the entrance to Parco Sempione. The monument features the bronze Chariot of Peace sculpture atop its structure. Originally intended to celebrate Napoleon's victories, the arch was completed in 1838, long after his fall from power. The intricate bas-reliefs on the arch depict significant events from the Congress of Vienna and the Battle of Leipzig.
Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
One of Milan's oldest churches, the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio dates back to the 4th century. Named after Milan's patron saint, Ambrose, this Romanesque church features a distinctive atrium and two bell towers of unequal height. The interior houses the remains of Saint Ambrose and two other martyrs in a gold and silver shrine beneath the altar. The church's simple yet elegant design offers a stark contrast to the ornate Gothic style of the Duomo.
Columns of San Lorenzo
These ancient Roman columns, dating back to the 2nd century, stand in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. The 16 Corinthian columns, likely remnants of a pagan temple, create a picturesque setting that's popular among locals for evening gatherings. The nearby Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is one of the oldest churches in Milan and features a dome reminiscent of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul.
Entertainment Districts
Navigli Canals
This charming network of historic waterways has transformed into one of Milan's most vibrant areas. The district comes alive in the evenings with numerous restaurants, bars and cafés lining the canals. It's the perfect spot for the traditional Italian aperitivo or a romantic evening stroll. The area hosts a popular antique market on the last Sunday of each month. Visitors can also take boat tours along the canals to learn about their history and importance to Milan's development.
Naviglio Grande canal
Brera District
Known as Milan's artistic quarter, this bohemian neighbourhood features charming cobblestone streets lined with restaurants, bars and antique shops. The area's authentic atmosphere makes it perfect for experiencing local Milanese culture. The district is home to the Brera Academy of Fine Arts and the beautiful Orto Botanico di Brera, a historic botanical garden. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy an aperitivo in one of the many charming bars or cafés in the area.
Corso Como
This pedestrian street is the epicentre of Milan's nightlife and fashion scene. By day, it's a shopping haven with designer boutiques and concept stores. As night falls, the area transforms into a bustling nightlife district with numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants. The street is also home to 10 Corso Como, a trendy concept store that combines fashion, art, music, and cuisine.
Performing Arts
Teatro alla Scala
One of the world's most prestigious opera houses, La Scala has hosted premieres of numerous famous operas and performances by renowned singers throughout its history. The theatre's elegant façade is adorned with a statue of Leonardo da Vinci. The opulent interior features six tiers of boxes and a gallery, all richly decorated in red and gold. Even if you can't attend a performance, the on-site museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the theatre's illustrious history.
Teatro alla Scala
Piccolo Teatro
Founded in 1947, the Piccolo Teatro is Europe's first permanent repertory theatre. It comprises three venues: Teatro Grassi, Teatro Studio, and Teatro Strehler. The theatre is known for its innovative productions and has played a significant role in Italy's theatrical tradition. The Teatro Strehler, with its distinctive green copper roof, is a notable example of modern theatre architecture.
Modern Marvels
Bosco Verticale
The Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) stands as one of Milan's most remarkable architectural achievements, comprising two residential towers in the Porta Nuova district. These innovative skyscrapers, completed in 2014 and designed by Stefano Boeri, rise to heights of 110 and 76 metres, featuring an extraordinary vertical garden system that hosts over 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 plants across their facades. This pioneering project represents a brilliant fusion of urban living and nature, contributing to the city's biodiversity whilst serving as a model for sustainable architecture. The towers not only provide luxury residential spaces but also function as a living ecosystem that helps purify the air, regulate building temperature, and create habitats for local wildlife. Since its inauguration, this architectural marvel has garnered worldwide acclaim and numerous awards, including recognition as "the most beautiful and innovative skyscraper in the world" in 2015, making it an essential stop for visitors to Milan's modern quarter.
Bosco Verticale
Piazza Gae Aulenti
Piazza Gae Aulenti stands as a striking symbol of contemporary Milan, representing the city's bold step into the future. This circular plaza, inaugurated in December 2012, sits elevated 6 metres above street level in the heart of the Porta Nuova development. The stunning space features three cascading infinity fountains surrounded by curved seating, creating a mesmerising display that comes alive at night with vibrant colours and music. The plaza is dominated by Italy's tallest skyscraper, the 231-metre UniCredit Tower, and offers spectacular views of Milan's modern skyline, including the innovative Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) towers. Designed by Argentine architect César Pelli and named after the renowned Italian architect Gae Aulenti, the plaza has become one of Milan's most popular gathering spots, offering a perfect blend of business, leisure and culture with its array of shops, restaurants and regular cultural events. The space exemplifies sustainable design with solar panels powering the surrounding towers and a Solar Tree that illuminates the plaza using stored daylight energy.
Modern buildings on Piazza Gae Aulenti
Unique Experiences
San Siro Stadium
Home to both AC Milan and Inter Milan, the San Siro is one of the world's most famous football stadiums. Even if you're not a football fan, the stadium's impressive architecture and electric atmosphere during matches make it worth a visit. Stadium tours are available, offering a behind-the-scenes look at this iconic venue.
Cimitero Monumentale
While it may seem an unusual tourist attraction, this monumental cemetery is essentially an open-air museum of sculpture and architecture. The elaborate tombs and monuments, created by renowned artists, showcase various architectural styles from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It's a peaceful and fascinating place to explore, offering insight into Milan's history and art.
Top Museums
Art Museums
Pinacoteca di Brera
The Pinacoteca di Brera stands as one of Italy's most significant art museums, situated in the heart of Milan. Housed in the magnificent Palazzo di Brera, this prestigious gallery was officially established in 1809 by Napoleon I, though its initial collection dates back to 1776. The museum boasts an exceptional collection of over 400 masterpieces spanning from the 14th to the 20th century, with a particular emphasis on Italian paintings from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Unlike other renowned Italian museums that evolved from private noble collections, the Pinacoteca emerged from a deliberate political initiative, gathering works primarily from churches and monasteries during the French occupation. Today, visitors can explore 36 well-curated spaces showcasing works by masters such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Bellini. The museum recently expanded with the December 2024 opening of Palazzo Citterio, which houses modern and contemporary art collections, further cementing its position as Milan's cultural heart.
Pinacoteca di Brera
Museo del Novecento
The Museo del Novecento is a striking modern art museum housed in Milan's historic Palazzo dell'Arengario, overlooking the magnificent Piazza del Duomo. Opened in 2010, this cultural gem showcases nearly 400 works of 20th-century art, primarily featuring Italian artists alongside international masters such as Picasso, Kandinsky, and Matisse. The museum's innovative architectural design features a spectacular spiral ramp reminiscent of New York's Guggenheim, leading visitors through chronologically arranged galleries that span from 1902 to the early 1980s. The collection includes significant works from various movements, including Futurism, Spatialism, and Arte Povera. The museum's crown jewel is the top-floor Fontana Hall, which offers breathtaking views of Milan's Duomo and houses an impressive collection of works by Lucio Fontana, including a stunning neon ceiling installation. With its prime location, architectural brilliance, and world-class collection, the Museo del Novecento stands as an essential destination for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors to Milan.
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, one of Milan's most prestigious museums, was established in 1618 by Cardinal Federico Borromeo as one of the world's first public art galleries. Located near the Duomo in Milan's ancient Roman centre, this remarkable institution houses an extraordinary collection of masterpieces across 24 rooms, including Leonardo da Vinci's Portrait of a Musician, Caravaggio's Basket of Fruit, and Raphael's preparatory cartoon for the School of Athens. The museum is particularly notable for housing the Codex Atlanticus, the largest collection of Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, within its historic library that features original wooden shelving and precious volumes. Beyond its artistic treasures, the Pinacoteca offers visitors a glimpse into Renaissance and Baroque artistry through works by Botticelli, Titian, and Brueghel, whilst its architecture, including the fascinating crypt of the Church of San Sepolcro, provides a stunning backdrop to this cultural treasure trove.
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Museo Poldi Pezzoli
A fascinating house-museum created by nobleman Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli. Each room is themed differently, from the spectacular Dante Study to the Black Room with its Gothic furnishings. The armory collection is one of Europe's finest, while the textile section includes rare Persian carpets and Italian laces. The museum's clock collection is particularly noteworthy.
Science and Technology
Museo Nazionale della Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo da Vinci
Italy's largest science museum occupies a 16th-century monastery. The Leonardo da Vinci galleries contain working models of his inventions, created from his original drawings. The transport section includes historic trains, aircraft, and ships. The space section features rockets and satellites, while the new robotics area showcases cutting-edge technology.
Museo Astronomico di Brera
Located in Palazzo Brera, this astronomical museum houses historic telescopes, celestial globes, and scientific instruments. The collection includes rare astronomical books and the original instruments used by 18th-century astronomers.
Contemporary Museums
MUDEC - Museo delle Culture
This striking contemporary building designed by David Chipperfield houses ethnographic collections from five continents. The permanent exhibition includes pre-Columbian art, African masks, and Asian textiles. The museum's design lab offers interactive experiences focusing on different world cultures.
Fondazione Prada
A converted distillery complex featuring the striking gold-leaf clad Haunted House. The complex includes permanent installations by Louise Bourgeois and Robert Gober. The Serial Classic exhibition space explores classical sculpture, while the Cinema screens experimental films. The foundation's Torre building offers panoramic views of Milan.
Historical Sites
Castello Sforzesco Museums
Museum of Ancient Art
Features the Trivulzio Tapestries and medieval sculptures. The highlight is Michelangelo's unfinished Rondanini Pietà, displayed in a specially designed room.
Furniture Museum
Showcases Italian furniture from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, including rare pieces from Lombardy workshops.
Museum of Musical Instruments
Houses over 700 instruments, including rare violins and historic keyboards.
Archaeological Museum
Displays artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, including locally discovered pieces.
Design and Architecture
La Triennale di Milano
A center for contemporary design and architecture. The permanent collection traces Italian design history through iconic pieces. The Design Museum features rotating exhibitions on themes from fashion to industrial design. The Teatro dell'Arte hosts experimental performances.
ADI Design Museum
A new addition to Milan's museum scene, showcasing Compasso d'Oro award-winning designs. The collection spans Italian industrial design from 1954 to present.
Religious Art
Museo del Duomo
Chronicles the cathedral's 600-year history through sculptures, stained glass, and architectural models. The museum displays original statues and gargoyles removed from the Duomo for preservation.
Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano
Besides housing "The Last Supper," the museum includes multimedia installations explaining Leonardo's technique and the painting's restoration history.
Modern Art
Galleria d'Arte Moderna (GAM)
Housed in Villa Reale, the museum's collection includes important works by Giovanni Segantini, Medardo Rosso, and Antonio Canova. The English-style gardens feature contemporary sculptures.
Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano
A private collection turned public museum, displaying over 300 Italian artworks from the 20th century in a perfectly preserved 1930s apartment.
Specialized Collections
Museo del Risorgimento
Dedicated to Italian unification, featuring weapons, uniforms, and documents from the period. The museum occupies the 18th-century Palazzo Moriggia.
Museo Teatrale alla Scala
Located in the famous opera house, this museum displays costumes, set designs, and musical instruments related to La Scala's history.
Local Cuisine
Milan's culinary heritage is a rich tapestry of hearty, flavourful dishes that reflect the city's prosperous agricultural traditions and historical influences. At the heart of Milanese cuisine lies the iconic risotto alla Milanese, a saffron-infused rice dish that gleams golden on the plate, accompanied by the equally renowned ossobuco, a tender veal shin braised to perfection. The city's love affair with meat is evident in specialities such as cotoletta alla Milanese, an exquisitely prepared breaded veal cutlet, and the rustic cassoeula, a robust pork and cabbage stew that warms the soul during winter months. Traditional fare also includes the hearty minestrone alla Milanese, distinctive for its use of rice instead of pasta, and the humble yet delicious mondeghili, savoury meatballs that speak to the city's waste-not philosophy. For those with a sweet tooth, Milan's most famous contribution to Italian gastronomy is undoubtedly the panettone, a light and fluffy Christmas cake that has become celebrated worldwide.
Shopping
Milan stands as Italy's undisputed fashion capital, offering an unparalleled shopping experience that ranges from ultra-luxurious boutiques to trendy high-street retailers. The city's crown jewel for luxury shopping is the Quadrilatero della Moda, or the Golden Rectangle, where prestigious streets like Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga house flagship stores of renowned fashion houses such as Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton.
For those seeking a more diverse shopping experience, the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the world's oldest shopping arcade, provides a magnificent setting with its glass dome and mosaic floors. The bustling Corso Buenos Aires stretches for 1.2 kilometres, making it Europe's longest shopping street, featuring over 350 shops that cater to all budgets. The pedestrianised Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, connecting Piazza Duomo to Piazza San Babila, offers a perfect blend of high-end fashion retailers and charming cafés, making it ideal for both serious shoppers and those who prefer window shopping.
Nature in and around Milan
Milan offers a delightful blend of urban parks and nearby natural wonders. Within the city, Parco Sempione stands as the most prominent green space, spanning 47 hectares next to Castello Sforzesco, featuring the Palazzo dell'Arte, Civic Aquarium, and the magnificent Arco della Pace. The historic Giardini della Guastalla, one of Milan's oldest gardens, charms visitors with its baroque fishpond and centuries-old trees, whilst the Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli in Porta Venezia houses both a natural history museum and planetarium. For those seeking a more extensive natural retreat, the Boscoincittà near San Siro spans an impressive 125 hectares, offering woodlands, wetlands, themed gardens, and lakes perfect for outdoor activities. The city's newest green space, the innovative BAM (Biblioteca degli Alberi), provides a modern take on urban parks at the foot of the iconic Bosco Verticale.
Parco Sempione
Milan's largest park offers a peaceful retreat from the city's bustle. Located behind Sforza Castle, it provides an excellent spot for relaxation and outdoor activities. The park features winding paths, a lake, and several notable structures including the Arco della Pace and the Torre Branca, an 108-metre high steel tower offering panoramic views of Milan. The park also houses the Triennale di Milano, a design and art museum with a rooftop terrace providing stunning views of the Duomo.
Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli
These historic public gardens, dating back to 1784, offer a tranquil oasis in the heart of Milan. The park features beautiful landscaping, a planetarium, and the Natural History Museum. It's a popular spot for locals to jog, picnic, or simply relax. The gardens are also home to Palazzo Dugnani, a beautiful Baroque palace that occasionally hosts art exhibitions.
Getting Around
Milan boasts a comprehensive and efficient public transport network that makes exploring the city a breeze. The underground metro system consists of four lines (red, yellow, green and purple), complemented by an extensive network of more than 80 eco-friendly bus routes and 18 tram lines that add a touch of vintage charm to your journey. A single ticket costs 2.20 euros and remains valid for 90 minutes across all transport modes, whilst day tickets are available from 13.99 euros for those planning multiple journeys. The metro operates from early morning until late evening, with night buses taking over when the metro closes. The iconic orange-and-yellow or green trams are particularly useful for sightseeing, as they offer scenic routes through the city centre, with lines 2, 4, 14 and 16 passing by the magnificent Piazza Duomo. Children under 14 can travel for free when accompanied by an adult, though proof of age must be carried.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit Milan is during the shoulder seasons, specifically from April to May or September to October. During these months, you'll enjoy pleasantly mild temperatures ranging between 10-20°C, making it perfect for exploring the city's attractions and outdoor spaces. Spring brings beautiful blooming flowers and events like Milan Design Week, whilst autumn offers golden hues and the prestigious Milan Fashion Week. These periods strike an ideal balance with fewer tourist crowds compared to the peak summer months, more reasonable accommodation prices, and comfortable weather for sightseeing. The spring and autumn months also provide a more authentic experience of the city, allowing visitors to enjoy Milan's cafes, museums, and historic sites without the overwhelming summer heat or winter chill.