What to see in Milan. What to see in Milan in one day? Plus a find - a sweets discounter From Santa Maria delle Grazie to the Sforzesco Castle
When traveling around Italy, you want to see Milan, feel its lifestyle, and admire the sights of the city. Information about interesting places will help you decide what to see in Milan in a day.
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The founding date of the city of the dead, created according to the project of Carlo Mchiakini, is considered to be 1866. Many famous artists, writers, great people of Italy, poets, composers are buried in a quiet, sad place. Sculptors and artists worked on the design of tombstones, crypts, and monuments. The country's rich people planned burial sites in advance and invested huge amounts of money in decorating them according to fashion requirements.
The history of the city can be read while walking along the streets, alleys of the dead kingdom with a quarter of palaces, stone pyramids reminiscent of Egypt, Greek temples, numerous sculptures of saints and angels. A real masterpiece of architecture, called “The Last Supper” (a stone copy of the famous painting), towers over the tomb of the Campari family. The cemetery is called an open space museum, which reflects the trends of various cultures over a long period of time. You can easily get to the cemetery by bus, tram, or metro. Admission free of charge until 18:00 pm.
Triumphal Arch of Peace
The tradition of a ceremonial entry into a defeated city has been known since ancient times. At the entrance, a majestic gate was built, created in the architectural style of examples of the triumphal arches of Rome. The neoclassical monument of Milan, designed to reflect Napoleon's victories on the Apennine Peninsula, was built by the architect Luigi Cagnola in the northern district of the city. Napoleon's dreams did not come true, but the beautiful arch was completed. In September 1838, the historical monument of Italy was opened. It was called the Arch of Peace, named after the peace agreement (at the Congress of Vienna) between the countries of Europe signed in 1815.
The arch became a famous monument to the peoples who whitewashed Napoleon. The top (almost 25 m high) of the three spans of the arch is decorated with a cart of six horses (bronze sculpture of the Sestig of the World). Behind the slender columns there is a panel depicting the fall of Napoleon. The platform, located at the top of the arch, can be easily reached by elevator.
Sempione Park
There is a popular green area of the city between the Sforzesco Castle and the Arc de Triomphe. The park was designed in the style of landscape traditions of England in 1893. It is pleasant for the residents of Milan and tourists to enjoy the silence and breathe clean air in the center of the metropolis. There are many interesting places in the park. Among them:
- Bridge of Little Mermaids. The first Italian bridge in Italy, made of cast iron in 1842. The bridge is decorated with 4 statues of mermaids.
- Equestrian monument to Napoleon
- Palace of Arts
- Torre Branca Tower (White Tower). The cost of a ticket to the observation deck is 5 Euro.
- Milan Triennale. A museum of international significance, which hosts exhibitions, conferences on art, design, and cinema.
- Oceanarium. The institution was created in 1906. It served as the exhibition hall of the International Exhibition. Entrance free of charge.
Sforza Castle
The former residence of the Italian dukes, who previously belonged to the Visconti family, is called the symbol of Milan. The majestic towers of the castle, connected by a fortress wall, adorn the city. An architectural masterpiece appeared on the city square in the 15th century on the ruins of an ancient fortification. In the historical events of the 15th and 17th centuries, the castle was considered the largest citadel among European countries. Now all the castle buildings (towers, walls, gates) have been restored. In the inner part of the castle there are two cozy courtyards (Rochetta, Ducal). The castle houses the Sforzesco Museum Complex.
The ensemble includes libraries, several museums (Archaeological, Reunion), and an art gallery. A Ballroom was built to host sports and other public events. Leonardo da Vinci took part in the decoration of the palace. His famous frescoes are well preserved and adorn the castle walls. The Sforza Castle is located at Piazza Castello, 3. Opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The entrance ticket costs 5 €.
Affari Square/h2> 
Otherwise it is called the business or transaction area. It houses the Milan Stock Exchange or the Midnight Palace. There used to be an ancient Roman theater here. Its detailed diagram is located near the Exchange building. The current appearance of the square arose as a result of the city center reconstruction program. The Palazzo della Borsa and Palazzo Mezzanotte rise above the rectangular square. In an austere building with a monumental appearance, there is the Hall of Screams (where the auctions took place at the top of their voices).
In 2010, a sculpture was built in the central part of the square, causing many controversial opinions. The four-meter sculpture in the shape of a hand with one middle finger is called “Love”, as a symbol of eternity, hatred, freedom, revenge. The author of the sculpture is the Italian artist Cattelan. You can easily get to the square by bus NM1, tram number 16, metro to the Cordusio stop.
Basilica of Saint Ambrose
The oldest church in Milan was built in 1128 on the burial site of martyrs of early Christianity. The relics of the founder of the original building of the basilica, St. Ambrose of Milan, the martyrs Gervasius, Protasius are the holy relics of the church. Much later, the remains of the famous king of Italy, Louis II, were buried in the basilica. A beautiful golden altar of the 9th century, an ancient interior decorated with carvings and mosaics, were also preserved here. In the center of the church stands the Serpent Column (a bronze snake is depicted on a granite column), confirming the Byzantine character of the work of the 11th century.
The basilica houses a museum with exhibitions dedicated to the history of the church. There are many interesting legends and traditions associated with the church that are still alive today. The white column standing next to the church is called the "Devil's Pillar". According to legend, the two holes visible on the column were formed as a result of Ambrose's struggle with the Devil. The address of the basilica is: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio, 15. The opening hours of the basilica are from 9.30 to 18.30.
National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci
You can walk for a long time through the numerous halls of the three floors (area about 50 thousand square meters) of the ancient monastery or building of San Vittore. The museum opened in 1953. There are 15,000 exhibits, 50,000 videos, and 40,000 books in seven thematic departments. Medicines from a medieval pharmacy, rooms with amazing collections of cars, engines, electrical appliances, watches, musical instruments, etc. tell about the diverse inventions of mankind. Famous drawings and wooden models of the brilliant inventor Leonardo da Vinci are kept in a separate pavilion of the famous National Museum of Italy.
Museum visitors can take part in a virtual journey on the submarine Enrico Toti, admire a fragment of an old model of a transatlantic liner, get acquainted with the masterpieces of the Renaissance, and see deep space through a telescope. Museum address: Via San Vittore 21. You can get to the building by buses No. 94, 50, 58, metro line M2, stop. S. Ambrogio. Ticket price 10 €. Discount ticket 7.5 €.
Naviglio Grande Canal
The famous canals of Milan begin at Piazza 24 Maya, located next to the Ticinese Gate. Now two of them Naviglio have survived - Grande and Pavia. In the 18th century, access to the sea was created through them for the passage of ships with cargo. Now you can see individual parts of the gateways created by Fioravanti, improved by Leonardo to Vinci (the Conca di Viarenna gateway).
The Naviglio Grande Canal is 50 km long, 12 m wide and leads from Milan to Ticino. It connects to the canals, providing operational navigation. In former times, snow-white marble was delivered along it for the construction of the Duomo. The courtyards of houses located on the banks of the canal attract tourists with numerous artist workshops and shops. Every last Sunday of the month there are exciting flea markets. The romantic green paradise on the banks of the canal lives a special life.
Gate of Porta Ticinese
The history of the gate dates back to the distant times of the Roman Empire, when the ancient road leading to the city of Pavia was bustling with life. Narrow streets, colorful three-story houses, and tram lines formed the atmosphere of the ancient district of Milan, the Ticinum quarter. At the entrance to the city (along the protective walls) stood the ancient Porta Ticinese gate with one passage in the center. The passage through the side towers of the gate was created in 1861. The original name of the Porta Cicca gate is associated with interesting legends that can be heard during excursions.
In place of the old gate, a new gate was built during the time of Napoleon, designed by the architect Cagnol. The massive architectural creation of the neoclassical style is a landmark of the city. Previously, they were called the Porta Marenga gate in honor of the victory of the French troops at Marengo.
Duomo Cathedral
In the heart of the city on Cathedral Square stands the Cathedral, or the jewel in the crown of the city's attractions. A symbol of the Catholic faith, striking in size and harmonious combination of architectural styles (used in construction for 7 centuries), the snow-white Duomo Cathedral is a unique monument on the planet. The official completion of the construction of the Cathedral, which can accommodate 40 thousand parishioners, is considered to be 1965. Its extraordinary beauty can be observed from the roof terrace. The view from the site helps to appreciate the magic of the openwork lace of the 135 spiers of the Cathedral, the silhouettes of numerous statues (there are 3,400 of them), and the external decoration of the architectural masterpiece.
The Gothic attributes of the figures of chimeras and gargoyles hiding on the walls of the building and protecting it from all evil look mysterious. The inside of the dome is decorated with four rows of statues (15 units each) depicting martyrs and saints. The appearance of the Cathedral is striking in shades of marble depending on the incidence of light. In the rays of the sun it appears pink, and on a moonlit night it appears silver. Hundreds of poems, images in photographs, paintings are dedicated to the unusual structure of Italy. You can visit the Cathedral from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. The elevator ride to the observation deck costs 12 €. For tickets to the Cathedral Treasury you must pay 2 €, the Baptistery 4 €.
Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II
The building is one of the first arcades in Europe, protected by a glass dome, decorated with a unique mosaic depicting elements of the four continents of the planet, built in 1877. The gallery connects the squares in front of the Duomo Cathedral and La Scala Theatre. It has the shape of a Latin cross, emphasized by an interesting octagonal center with a majestic dome. The interior decoration of the gallery amazes with bright frescoes, fancy stucco moldings, a mosaic floor with images of the coats of arms of famous Italian cities, and numerous elegant sculptures.
Now the gallery houses a huge number of shops of famous companies, cafes, restaurants, the richest boutiques in the country (including the world's first Prada boutique), located strictly under the center of the dome. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions and concerts. The most expensive hotel of the 7-star category operates in the passage. The passage is open 24 hours a day. It is interesting to wander around it at night. Gallery address: Piazza del Duomo. Shops are open from 10 to 22 hours.
La Scala Square
Nowadays the square boasts the facades of several Milan landmarks: the Victor Emmanuel Gallery, Marino Palace, La Scala Theatre. The modern appearance of the square began to be created on the site of medieval buildings in 1858. The Marino Palace, built in the 16th century, went to the city treasury in 1861. The decision to turn it into the city hall accelerated the formation of a beautiful architectural ensemble and a cozy square. Later, the city hall was housed in the renovated building with the original facade. It houses the Trusardi Fashion Center, where clothing collections are demonstrated.
The square faces (since 1778) the facade of the world famous La Scala theater with extraordinary acoustics. On the right side of the building is the interesting La Scala Museum. In 1872, a monument to Leonardo da Vinci was erected in the center. Getting to the square is easy from the Duomo Cathedral through the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery.
Mercanti Square
The oldest square in the city has long been the center of life in Milan and played an important role in the historical events of the country. The main part of the architectural buildings of the Middle Ages has been preserved in the square. This is the Loggia de Ozia, made of marble in white and black shades. The Gothic building of the Paigarol residential building, which served as the registration chamber for the century, the Courts of Legal Advisers with an interesting tower of the Commune (at its top, statues of famous figures have changed several times).
The main attraction of the square is the Town Hall building. In the heart of the old town you can see the beautiful Palazzo della Ragione, Palatine. On the quadrangular square, surrounded by beautiful ancient buildings, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and antique shops, which have made it one of the liveliest, popular places among tourists and the local population. In the central zone of the square, a 16th century well in the form of a spring with two columns is completely preserved.
Palace of Legal Advisers
Architect Serenya's project for the construction of the Palace of Legal Consultants around an ancient tower ( Napo Torriani from the 13th century), was realized in 1562. Functionally, the tower was intended to ring bells to notify residents in connection with special events in the city. Later, clocks were installed instead of bells. In the niche of the tower there is a sculpture of the city's patron Saint Ambrose. Now the Palace has four floors, decorated with cocoa-colored hewn stone. Its area is 2000 sq. m.
On the lower floor there is a gallery with numerous entrances, columns, and balustrades around the facade. At various times, the “College of Noble Doctors” or an educational institution for future lawyers and politicians was located here. Stock exchange, bank, telegraph, Chamber of Commerce. All conference rooms and exhibition pavilions are equipped with the required modern equipment and video recording systems. Palace address: Piazza Dei Mercanti, 2.
Cathedral of San Carlo al Corso
Having defeated the terrible cholera epidemic, local residents decided to build a Cathedral in honor of the Bishop of Milan Carlo Borromeo (during the bubonic plague of the 16th century). His canonization took place in 1610. Construction was completed on the site of the ancient Church of St. Mary (existed in 1317) in 1847. On 36 granite columns that border the entrance to the Cathedral, a high dome rises, giving the church the appearance of a Roman pantheon.
The interior decoration of the church is distinguished by unusually rich decorations from frescoes, mosaics, and gilding. Above the altar is a wooden crucifix, a sculptural ensemble depicting the first communion of St. Charles Borromeo. The titular church is located in the historical center of the city.
Milan Central Station
The pompous railway station building appeared in Milan in 1931 during the reign of Mussolini. The first station (in the area of modern Republic Square) could not cope with the constantly increasing flow of passing trains. The foundation stone for the new station was laid by King Victor Emmanuel III in 1906. The modern station has 24 operating platforms serving over 330,000 passengers daily. The station infrastructure includes cafes and restaurants.
Before we start our walk, we would like to remind you that this tour is part of our mobile application - Travel planner for Android. By downloading it, you can not only use this route, offline maps and GPS, but also completely plan your trip to Milan. So, let's go!
We suggest starting this route in the center of Milan, at its main symbol - the magnificent cathedral.
The Duomo is one of the five largest churches in the world and, of course, one of the most beautiful. Its neo-Gothic façade is made entirely of white marble, and its 135 spiers soaring into the sky resemble a stone forest.
Construction of the cathedral began back in 1386, when there was not a single building in the Gothic style in Italy. Therefore, architects for its construction were invited from Germany and France. The Duomo acquired its final appearance only in the 19th century. And this happened by order of Napoleon, who decided to hold his own coronation in this temple.
The Cathedral, or Duomo, as the Milanese themselves call it, is not only beautiful on the outside, but also incredibly rich in interior decoration. It contains a unique artifact - a nail, allegedly brought from the crucifixion of Christ himself! Gian Giacomo Medici, a distant relative of the famous Italian dynasty, also rests here. And as a baptismal font in the Duomo they use a porphyry Egyptian bath, which is more than 17 centuries old!
The statue of the Virgin Mary, installed on the roof of the Duomo, is not only one of the symbols of the city, but also the patroness of Milan. Locals affectionately call her “La Madonnina”, that is, “The Madonna”. Another famous Duomo statue is the incredibly realistic figure of St. Bartholomew, who was flayed alive as a result of torture. In total, there are more than 3,400 sculptures in the temple!
plus.google.com, Misan Wong
After you've had your fill of admiring the Milan Cathedral, going inside and climbing to its amazing roof, you can also look around :) Duomo Square is the very heart of the city, surrounded by first-class shops, cinemas and, of course, the city's most famous attractions. One of them actually gave the square its name.
Another, no less famous object is a huge shopping center, famous for its unique architecture and a wonderful combination of boutiques of the world's most famous brands.
Located exactly opposite the gallery. Well, on the Duomo Square itself stands a monument to the unifier of the Italian state - King Vittorio Emanuele II.
But what if you don’t necessarily need to see all the sights of Milan in one day? Then let's plan routes for several! Use it! Mark on it the places you would like to see, “distribute” them by deciding when and where you would like to go, and enjoy the trip! With us you won’t miss anything interesting and you’ll easily figure out what is where!
Before you is one of the most beautiful passages in Europe, named after the first king of united Italy. Victor Emmanuel II was personally present at the opening of this gallery in 1877. The ceremony was overshadowed by only one event that happened just a few days before - the death of the architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who accidentally fell from the scaffolding. However, thanks to his creation, his memory is still alive.
The Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II has been attracting tourists for several centuries and is the pride of the residents of Milan. It is built in the form of a Latin cross, that is, it has 4 exits, symbolizing 4 continents (except Australia). The roof of the passage was replaced by a chic dome made of glass and metal. This was truly an innovative solution for the architecture of that time.
On the floor at the central point of the gallery there is a mosaic of the coat of arms of Italy, on which a bull is depicted. There is a legend actively supported among tourists that if you stand with your heel in the groin area of an animal and spin three times, then wealth and good luck will certainly await you.
Well, anything is possible! But it can be considered a great success that this passage contains the company stores of the world's most famous brands: Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton and many others. Fashion shows, concerts and exhibitions are also regularly held here.
Flickr, SpreadTheMagic
If you walk straight from Piazza Duomo through the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuel II, you will find yourself in the square near the famous La Scala opera house. About him a little later, first we want to tell you about the legendary man, whose monument rises in the center of this square.
Leonardo is one of the most amazing and incredibly talented people that the 15th century gave to humanity. Right off the bat, it is perhaps impossible to recall other scientists who have succeeded in such different sciences and areas of art. This is a vivid example of a “universal man”, whom everyone knows as a great painter, architect, sculptor, inventor, writer, naturalist and even anatomist.
In addition, Leonardo da Vinci had an unusual ability to write texts in a mirror image. He made all entries in his diaries with his left hand and from right to left. However, some researchers of the Leonardo phenomenon claim that he could even write with both hands at the same time.
Like any outstanding scientist, Leonardo had students. The most famous of them are depicted together with the master on a monument in the center of La Scala in Milan. Da Vinci himself stands on the pedestal, and at the base there are statues of four of his students: Andrea Salaino, Marco d'Oggiono, Joantonio Boltraffio and Cesare de Sesto.
As a rule, the name Leonardo da Vinci is primarily associated with Florence, where he began his creative career. However, the famous maestro lived in Milan for many years. He even developed a project for an ideal city with certain parameters, layout and sewer system. However, the Duke of Milan Lodovico Sforza rejected his project. But the attempts to decorate and improve the city did not stop there.
In order to get a closer look at the history of the life and work of the famous scientist, there are several museums in Milan. In particular, a small collection in the courtyard of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where his famous fresco “The Last Supper” is located, and which displays many inventions recreated from his drawings and notes. It is convenient to visit them by following the route we have developed. By the way, you can visit a similar excursion accompanied by a professional guide.
Flickr, View Factory
Perhaps this is the most famous opera house in the world! Its stage hosted premieres of productions by such great composers as Antonio Salieri, Gioachino Rossini, Giuseppe Verdi, Giacomo Puccini and many others. Yes, yes, most of the composers who are now considered recognized classics of opera music once stood backstage at La Scala, nervous before their first performance.
This theater is truly magnificent! Its luxurious interior decoration and excellent acoustics were admired by everyone who has ever visited the famous auditorium. Although the external appearance of the building seems quite... ordinary, as far as this word is applicable to Italian architecture of the 18th century. This is because the architect Gioseppe Piermarine decided not to spend a lot of time and money on decorating the facade of the building, since, firstly, it was located near simple residential buildings, and secondly, he was hurried by the local aristocracy, with whose money the construction was carried out. As a result, the theater was built in a record time for its scale - in just 2 years.
The grand opening took place in 1778. The theater was erected on the site where the church of Santa Maria della Scala previously stood, therefore the name “La Scala” came precisely from the patroness of that church - Beatrice della Scala from the dynasty of rulers of Verona, and not at all from the word “stairs” (Italian. “ scala"), as many believe.
Don't like walking around the city with guidebooks? Let's find an interesting excursion for you!
From the La Scala theater along Via Santa Margherita we seem to go back a little, to Piazza Duomo. Don't be alarmed, it's meant to be :) Follow our map and, bypassing , you will find yourself in the right place.
Mercanti was the main square of the city throughout the Middle Ages. It began to take shape back in the 13th century, and at that time it was much wider than it is now. Piazza Mercanti could be approached from six different directions. Each passage bore the name of the guild of craftsmen located on it. So, one could access the square, for example, through the street of gunsmiths or the street of jewelers.
The current location of attractions on Mercanti Square can be roughly divided according to cardinal directions. To the west is a Gothic-style building, named and built in the 15th century. Adjacent to the square from the north, it was built in the 13th century and significantly reconstructed during the rule of Austria in the 18th century. And the southern side of Piazza Mercanti is distinguished by the Palace, built in the Baroque style in 1645 by Carlo Buzzi.
Well, the center of the square is marked by a 16th-century well, decorated with two exquisite antique columns. Next, we invite you to go to another significant square for the city.
You must have already realized that the center of Milan is very compact. Therefore, when choosing a hotel, it is most convenient to stay right in the center.
Flickr, roksoslav
Piazza Cordusio is located almost in the very center of Milan, however, in the center it is more likely to be a business center rather than a tourist center. It is located in the so-called “Banks Square”, where such large financial institutions as Unicredit Bank, Barclay and Intesa Sanpaolo are located. The fourth financial institution on this list is one of the largest insurance companies in the Old World - Assicurazioni Generali.
All these organizations are located on the territory of palaces, the origin of which dates back to the turn of the 19th-20th centuries. Over the years since their construction, Palazzo della Posta, Palazzo della Assicurazioni Generali and Palazzo del Credito Italiano have been perfectly preserved.
In addition to the palaces, Piazza Cordusio is also notable for its monument to the iconic 18th-century Italian classic Giuseppe Parini. His sculpture was made by the architect Luca Beltramiu.
And finally, we want to tell you how such a sonorous name for this square came about. The basis for the name was two Italian words that sound like “Cors” and “Ducis”. Together they translate as "Court of Dukes". In the 5th-6th centuries, the place of judgment of the various classes that existed in Italy at that time was located here.
Having passed through Piazza Cordusio, we will find ourselves at the beginning of Via Dante. Our plan to see all the sights of Milan in one day has already crossed the equator. Hang in there, there is still a lot of interesting things to come!
Flickr, ChrisYunker
The streets of big cities have this peculiarity - over time, they again, like hundreds of years ago, become suitable for walking. The abundance of shops, architectural monuments and other interesting buildings force the street to be handed over to numerous tourists and fans of iconic historical places. So in 1996, another pedestrian street appeared in Milan.
Via Dante is full of various boutiques, restaurants and bars. But, as you understand, the name of the great poet obliges that a large number of theaters be located on this street (we note in parentheses that this is the case). In addition, it is probably worth mentioning with pride that the Picollo Theater, located on Via Dante, was opened, no less, with the premiere of the play “At the Lower Depths” by Maxim Gorky.
Surprisingly, the residents of Milan managed to preserve in the appearance of this street some features of past centuries and, at the same time, introduce the trends of our time into its modern image. We strongly recommend that you take a stroll here - for shopping, exploring the city's attractions, or just to enjoy Milan. The place is definitely worth a visit!
Flickr,andlongoni
Dante Street will lead us straight to Piazza Cairoli, where a monument to the great commander, fighter for justice and national hero of Italy, Giuseppe Garibaldi, is erected. All his life he fought for the unification of his beloved country, torn apart by internecine wars and foreign invaders. Ironically, even now one of the streets adjacent to Piazza Cairoli bears the name of the conqueror of Italy, Bonaparte, but it abuts the monument to the country’s liberator, Garibaldi.
Mid-19th century. Italy is like a boiling cauldron. Even after the overthrow of Napoleon, the Austrian Empire controls it. At the same time, the entire territory is fragmented into small parts. Only a “madman and a fantasist” could at that time dream of peace and tranquility in one big, united Italy. And this is exactly the kind of person Giuseppe Garibaldi became. He took part in countless battles and battles, defending freedom and proclaiming independence. In addition, liberating the lands of Italy from invaders, he abolished taxes, which earned him great love and respect from the people. Hundreds and thousands were ready to follow him, and even the king could not compete with his glory.
However, having fought all his life, Giuseppe eventually declared himself a pacifist. But his name was entrenched in history for a long time. And numerous monuments and streets named after Garibaldi will not allow new generations to forget about his exploits. Likewise, the monument in Milan depicts a hero returning from the war on a faithful horse. Near the pedestal there are two bronze sculptures symbolizing Freedom and Revolution.
Flickr, R. Alessandro
This picturesque medieval castle was built in the 14th century as the residence of the Milanese Visconti family. Later it belonged to another eminent dynasty - the Sforzas, whose duke in the 15th century had to practically rebuild the castle after it was dismantled stone by stone by rebellious peasants.
Leonardo da Vinci himself took part in the restoration work. He painted the halls and chambers of the Duke. Now, unfortunately, almost nothing remains of his frescoes. But Leonardo’s literary manuscripts and the pergola he worked on have survived. Also in the castle you can see the works of other famous masters of that time: the latest sculpture by Michelangelo, paintings by Bellini, Mantegna and other painters.
Nowadays, behind the walls of the Sforza Castle there are several museums, each of which is interesting in its own way: the Museum of Ancient Egypt, the Museum of Musical Instruments, Crockery and others. By the way, among the musical instruments you can find very interesting specimens, for example, the Cerutti violin. But the main pride of the museum is the piano of the famous composer Giuseppe Verdi.
Externally, the castle is incredibly beautiful! Moreover, from the inside it seems even larger than from the outside. Not only the towers and massive walls have been preserved, but also the hanging iron gates, real cannonballs and even the moat surrounding the castle.
If the appearance of the fortress reminds someone of the Moscow Kremlin, then they will not be mistaken. It was the Sforza Castle that was taken as a basis by Italian architects who built the Kremlin towers and walls in the center of Moscow.
Well done! There is one last item left in our “All the sights of Milan in one day” route. This is a place where you can truly relax and unwind! Well, if you still have some energy left or are wondering what to do the next day, explore the option.
This luxurious park is located right behind. Once upon a time there was a training ground in its place, but in 1893 it was completely replaced by shady alleys and picturesque lawns.
In addition to the lush greenery, fountains and picnic-friendly lawns, Sempione Park has several attractions. For example, the Palace of Arts (Palazzo del Arte), where designer shows are held, as well as various exhibitions on architecture, fashion and photography.
Also located here is the famous one, which Napoleon decided to build in honor of his triumph in Milan. The majestic monument is completely decorated with bas-reliefs from scenes of battles involving Bonaparte.
In addition, the pack contains one that can be visited completely free of charge. All kinds of inhabitants of the Mediterranean are collected here. And nearby there is a hydrobiology station.
Another attraction of Sempione Park is the ancient stadium, which is called Arena Civico. It was built in 1807 specifically to host sports competitions.
Well, in order to take a couple of good panoramic shots, it’s worth climbing the mountain, which opened after restoration in 2002. Now it serves as an excellent observation deck. Residents of the city even nicknamed it the “Eiffel Tower” of Milan. Its height is just over a hundred meters, and you can get to the top using an elevator.
This concludes our story. But we would like to remind you that you can vary your walking routes as much as you like using. Decide what and when you want to watch, sync your plans with and enjoy your trip lightly! Mobile guides are much more convenient than traditional paper ones;)
And on the second day I flew to Milan on board Ryan Air. As you know, Milan is a place for fashionistas and fashionistas, the capital of fashion and shopping, as well as just a beautiful city with a lot to see. For example, the famous ballet at La Scala, for which, one might say, I came here. And believe it or not, tickets to La Scala and a plane to Milan cost me less than a trip to the Bolshoi! Don't believe me? Read about it - here! So, let's hit the road! Cats of Milan, tremble!
Excursions here
If you want a city tour, here is a selection of the most popular ones. Some are now at a discount - hurry to book!
Where to stay in Milan?
No words needed. Just keep a map of the best prices where you can book everything.
Walk through the center of Milan and the Duomo Cathedral
I realized already at the airport at check-in that there will be a lot of strange and original photos for you in Milan:
From Bergamo airport, where I flew to the center of Milan, buses leave every half hour, which for 7 euros will take you to the center of Milan in about an hour (stop at the station).
I took it to the center, changed to the metro to get to the hotel (oh-my-god-so-far-from-the-center-at-the-final-metro-station!!!). Having thrown my backpack into the hotel, I returned to the center lighter.
On the subway, I noticed that the people were really dressed in a very interesting way, everyone was wearing fashionable jeans, with hairstyles... I felt uncomfortable in my usual clothes :)
In the center of Milan, as it turned out, nothing has changed much since my last visit. The Palazzo Reale stood and still stands in Piazza del Duomo, only some construction appeared behind it. The Milan Cathedral (aka Duomo) is still airy and beautiful and seems even whiter than before.
Wikipedia says the following about the Duomo del Milano:
Built in Flaming Gothic style from white marble. Construction began in 1386, but it was completed only at the beginning of the 19th century, when, by order of Napoleon, the design of the facade was completed. Some details, however, were completed later, until 1965. It is the fourth largest in Europe after St. Peter's in the Vatican, St. Paul's in London and Seville Cathedral in Seville. There are 3,400 statues in the cathedral alone.
I’ll add on my own that among these 3,400 statues there should be a statue of Vladimir Monomakh, but for some reason I didn’t find it either on this or my previous visit :)
Inside, the cathedral was, as always, solemn, quiet and (I was lucky here!) almost empty:
For Italians, the first floor is considered “zero”.
Having wandered around the cathedral and once again being imbued with its grandeur, I decided that I just had time for a little free entertainment, which did not work out last time due to restoration, and, leaving the cathedral, I turned right into the Rinascente department store, the largest and famous in the city, although not very noticeable, since it is blocked by the cathedral.
If you go up to the top floor of the department store, you can get to the terrace, from which you can get a close-up look at the roof of the cathedral.
The most delicious McDucks in Italy! Woof answers
Having enjoyed the majestic views to my heart's content, I felt my tummy growl. Just next to the terrace, still there on the top floor of the Rinascente department store, there was a very cool, but, as befits an establishment in the central square, expensive, local food store, several cafes and... a shop with chocolate shoes!!! It would be better with shoes made of cheese, of course, but still cool :) And it’s better not even shoes, but men’s boots with the pretentious name “loafers”, there are more of them!
I could eat a couple of these...
All in dreams of cheese shoes, since the prices were still biting, I went down back to the square, looked at the statue in the depths of the square and went to McDuck, which was located there.
In a McCafe I found a really cool ricotta cheese cake for about 2% of the cost of one such chocolate shoe, devoured it with coffee and went on a walk with a feeling of satiety and contentment with life.
Shopping gallery named after. Victor Emmanuel
On the way, I came across a monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy, whom everyone here loves very much:
After that, I wandered around the shopping gallery named after the same Victor Emmanuel. Expensive, I must say, the store!
It's nice and expensive there. Although our GUM is nicer and more expensive. Here we made Italians :)
Leonardo who is not a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle
Literally right next to the exit from the gallery there are two main attractions of Milan besides the cathedral - the La Scala opera house and the statue of Leonardo da Vinci.
Leonardo was under repair, but still wise, serious and not at all like the Ninja Turtle of the same name :)
A little further away is the La Brera Pinacoteca. There was just a photobiennale going on there, which I would have loved to go to, but since it was late, I wanted to take a walk around Milan before the ballet started.
...an art gallery, to put it in Russian
Architecture of Milan. Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio
The courtyard of the Pinakothek, where I went, was undergoing renovations. It was dirty and there were a lot of people walking around: neither Italians nor Tajiks in construction clothes. O_o
And then I decided to take a roundabout route, so to speak, to get a feel for the flavor.
I walked past the bar thoughtfully: it seemed like I had just recently eaten cake...
...but this is a bar!
However, I pulled myself together and headed to the Basilica of Sant'Estuorgio (St. Eustorgio), founded in the 4th century, one of the oldest in Milan.
The Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio was built at one time to house the relics of the Three Magi, but little remains from the 4th century.
I liked both the outside and the inside. Compared to the Milan Cathedral, everything is massive, but somehow soulful. The first one looks like a fluffy meringue, and Sant'Eustorgio looks like a hefty piece of bread. Overall, I was hooked.
Sempione Park. Or sports Woof
Continuing to “circle”, I came to Sempione Park and the tower, which, according to rumors, you can climb for just 6 euros and have a lot of fun, contemplating Milan from a bird’s eye view.
If you are going, keep in mind that the tower is open only until 16.00 and only in good weather.
I thought that I had enough time, and there was no rain or snow, but then a bummer happened: the tower was closed, since the weather was windy and, according to the Italians, generally bad. Frustrated, he went for a walk in the park.
And a lot of people of all ages actually ran and did exercises under the signs. Well done!
I was pleased that there were paths for runners throughout the park and at certain distances there were signs with exercises to be performed here. Just a course of general physical training in the fresh air. In fashion stores, the choice of sizes is probably limited :) Probably because, judging by my observations, 100% of the Italian population has great figures!
I would be glad if we put up such signs. Maybe then he would have become a little more slender and athletic little mouse, and he would have been able to chase cats... Dreams, dreams!
Let's do it together! One-two...))
There is a lot to see in the park: from here you can clearly see the Arc de Triomphe, as well as a bridge with mermaids.
The park also houses the Sforzesco Castle or Castello Sforzesco. Who calls it what? I'll tell you more about it.
Fortress wall of the Sforza Castle
Castello Sforzesco. Poisoner's Castle.
This castle is the former residence of the Italian dukes of the Sforza dynasty, built somewhere around the 15th century. The entrance to the castle itself was closed, but I managed to visit there last time, so I wasn’t too upset and only took a photo of the entrance.
This dynasty was famous for the fact that it very masterfully poisoned everyone who did not suit them in some way, managing to add poison to gloves, books, hair wax and other harmless things. The victim could not even imagine that this comb would be the last thing she saw in her life. But this did not help them much: the dynasty died out. After that, everyone lived in the castle, including the French king Louis XII and Suvorov, when he was passing through there, capturing something along the way.
... there’s not much to do inside: nothing has survived except the walls, and there are always some shows going on there too 
The castle itself is very interesting from the outside, but not very big. In 10 minutes you can walk around it at a leisurely pace.
The main “passage” tower of Filarete, with its family coats of arms and clock, reminded me of the Motherland. And you??? Okay, I’ll say: this tower became the prototype of the towers of the Moscow Kremlin. It was built by a follower of the architect who worked for Sforza
It's deja vu in Milan... Doesn't it remind you of anything???
ADVICE! Be careful! On all my visits to Milan, right here, at the main entrance to the castle, blacks try with all their might to sell some kind of crap like a bauble. You pick up this crap, and they, in turn, begin to attack you and demand money for it. It’s better to ignore them or send them, but the main thing is not to take them if you don’t want problems.
Milan by night
I really wanted to see the original “Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci in the Church of Santa Maria della Grazie, but entry there is only by appointment several months in advance. So if you decide to visit this place, make a reservation in advance!
Having looked enough at the castle of the poisoner dynasty, I wondered what else to see, since Milan is not very rich in architectural attractions. But then I glanced at the clock and realized that there was no more time, so I turned on the turbo mouse mode and almost ran along Via Dante to the theater. Fortunately, it’s quite close there.
On the way, I managed to click on another pavilion for fashion shows that suddenly appeared in the historical part of the city and captured the evening Via Dante
After the ballet, cultured and very happy, I dined on Italian pasta and walked around Milan at night, but I hardly took any pictures, so here’s just a night photo of the Milan Duomo:
Gavoroute - save it for yourself!
Save your trip summary too!
- One metro trip – ~1.5 euros.
- If you climb to the top floor of the shopping mall next to the Duomo, you can look at the square and the roof of the cathedral
- If you want to watch the Last Supper from Leonardo Da Vinci, you need to buy tickets in advance. In 2 months they are already sold out. You can buy
- Keep your valuables in Piazza Duomo. Pickpockets are operating.
- Entrance to the Sforza Castle is free.
- You can climb the observation tower in the park only until 16:00 in good weather. Cost ~7 euros per nose.
- Don't take your cat with you. Let him sit at home. It’s better if the ban is still in the closet.
This is how I spent the day in the fashionable capital of Italy without shopping, but with theater and a great mood, which I wish for you too!
Thank you for running around Milan with me and seeing the local sights. Read the full story “How Woof went to La Scala” here.
PySy: but don’t think, I’m generally a fashionable mouse, I just didn’t have the time this time. Yes, culture and soul are also important. So see you soon!
Anyone who doesn't repost is a fat cat! Not a cat? 🐭 Tell your friends, they are interested too!Cool
More wonderful travel reviews!
Milan is the second largest city in Italy with a population of about 1.5 million people (Greater Milan has 5 million inhabitants). It is a major industrial center and the fashion capital of the world. International trade and industrial exhibitions and sporting events take place here.
It is no coincidence that Milan attracts tourists from all over the world: cathedrals, castles, palaces coexist with blooming parks and squares. The city has a rich cultural life: museums, theaters, concert events.
For me, Milan is, above all, a city that does not sleep. We were there in the midst of the July heat. In the evening, nightlife begins to bustle here. Numerous cafes and restaurants with summer terraces are filled with visitors - elegantly dressed young people. Music is playing and laughter is heard everywhere. All this creates a mood of celebration and magic.
How to get there
There are 3 airports in Milan. The main one is Malpensa Airport. From there you can reach the city center by express train. The airport in Bergamo is also considered one of the airports in Milan. The distance from it to the center of Milan is about 50 km. It is here that the planes of the Russian low-cost airline Pobeda fly in.
The third airport, Linate, is located in the center of Milan and is used mainly for local flights.
There are three railway stations in the city.
Milano Centrale Station
One of the largest train stations in Europe. The 19th century building still looks large and imposing. From here you can get to the city's airports. There is an express train to Malpensa Airport (51 flights per day). The fare is 10 euros for adults, 5 euros for children. Malpensa, Linato and Bergamo airports can also be reached from the station by bus.
Central Station is one of the few places in the city center where you can buy groceries after 8 pm.
Milano Porta Garibaldi Station
Another major train station in Milan. It is believed to be primarily used for commuter services. Our train from Paris to Milan arrived at this station. Read more about how to buy a train ticket from Paris to Milan or vice versa in the article.
The station building itself is not very large, but there is free wifi. When you leave the station and look towards the railway tracks, you will see the famous Bosco Verticale houses, which are discussed below. And if you walk literally 2-3 minutes towards the center along Corso Coma, you will find yourself in a park named after the journalist Anna Politkovskaya, about which there is a memorial plaque.
Milano Rogoredo Train Station
Located 6 kilometers from the city, on the way to Bergamo. Trains from Moscow and Minsk also arrive here.
You can get to the city center by metro in just 20 minutes (yellow line). The station is open 24 hours a day.
Rogoredo Station on the map:
Where to stay
Read the article for tips on choosing accommodation facilities.Here I will briefly tell you about my personal experience.
Since we just needed a place to stay overnight in Milan, we chose the WOW Hotel in the Città Studi area.
Essentially this is a hostel that offers both shared rooms and private rooms. It is located in a residential building (entrance from the yard). Udine metro station is a 5-minute walk away. I liked the Chitta Studi area itself. Quiet, cozy, close to the center. In the area there is a park with a river and playgrounds, which is very pleasant to walk in. It was convenient for us that the Milano Lambrate train station was nearby, since our further path was by train to Lake Garda. If you walk a little from the station along Via Rombon, there is a large Mercato supermarket on the right with low prices. In front of him on the street is a market with vegetables and fruits.
The hostel itself is quite clean (with the exception of small ants in the room). There are several toilets with showers and washing machines. Breakfast consisting of tea, coffee and pastries is served in the kitchen in the morning, which you can also use throughout the day and cook yourself. In the kitchen we met a Russian family from St. Petersburg who were traveling around Italy by car.
The reception staff are polite and speak English. They gave me a map of the city. There is wifi.
Public transport in Milan
There are 4 metro lines in Milan, each has its own color, and the cars are decorated in this color, including the seat upholstery. The purple line is fully automated and operates without drivers.
Ground transport is represented by trams and trolleybuses.
Tickets are valid for both metro and ground transport. The cost of one trip lasting up to 90 minutes is 1.5 euros, children under 10 years old are free. An all-day ticket costs 4.5 euros, an evening ticket after 20.00 costs 3 euros. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines or ticket offices. When entering the metro they are composted at turnstiles, and when entering a tram or trolleybus - in special composters. Tickets are not valid without composting. Oversized luggage must also be charged at the adult rate.
Link to Milan public transport website 
Sights of Milan
Milan Cathedral or Duomo
This is the calling card of the city. The white marble Gothic cathedral, which took 6 centuries to build, is located in the historical center of the city (Duomo metro station). There is a museum inside the cathedral. You can climb onto its roof and explore the surroundings.
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II
Located on Cathedral Square near the Duomo. The buildings of the shopping arcade are connected by a glass dome, which was built at the end of the 19th century. In addition to trading, this place is used for various concerts and other events.
La Scala Theater
The building of the famous opera does not make much of an impression. Only after taking a closer look and passing by several times did we realize that it was in front of us. They say that those lucky ones who get inside can enjoy magnificent decoration and the best acoustics in the world.
Buy tickets to La Scala Opera
The theater building also houses the La Scala Museum. In the park in front of the theater there is a monument to Leonardo da Vinci.
Sforza Castle
The Sforzesco Castle or Castello Sforzesca is also located in the historical part of the city. It was built in the 15th century and has very impressive dimensions. Now there are several exhibitions inside - collections of Renaissance paintings, sculptures, musical instruments, etc.
"The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci in Milan
Leonardo da Vinci's famous fresco "The Last Supper" is located in the Church of Santa Maria Delle Grazia in Milan. It is rightfully considered one of the greatest works of world art and attracts many visitors. In the summer season, tickets on the official website www.vivaticket.it are often available only a few weeks before the visit; in the low season, they can usually be purchased 3-7 days in advance. You can buy tickets without queuing.
Skyscrapers Bosco vertical
They were built according to the “Vertical Forest” concept and are designed to replace a forest area of 50 thousand square meters. meters. More than 800 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 10,000 perennial grass plantings are used in the construction of the buildings. A vertical forest is an entire ecosystem designed to solve the problem of oxygen shortage in a large metropolis. The trees are planted in such a way that the forest changes color throughout the year. Located near Garibaldi station.
Museums of Milan
Milan's museums are undoubtedly worth a visit. This is, first of all, the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Pinacoteca Brera, Gallery of Modern Art. But, unfortunately, we were not able to visit them due to lack of time. There will be a reason to return to this amazing and beautiful city.
