Milan is the capital of the Italian region of Lombardy. The richest and most economically developed in the country (and also the most densely populated). This region is famous e.g. for the automotive industry, but also beautiful ski runs, the largest lakes, and wonderful nature.
Milan – the best attractions
Duomo (Cathedral of the Nativity of Saint Mary)
Although many people equate the Duomo with a Milan temple, it is worth knowing that the word in Italian simply means a cathedral and is often used also for other Italian religious buildings. It is a great example of Gothic architecture and one of the largest churches in the world. Construction began at the end of the 14th century and took almost 200 years. The cathedral was built on the site of even older, early Christian buildings. Interestingly, it was here that Napoleon was crowned King of Italy. The Duomo makes a stunning impression and it is worth going around it several times, both from the outside and inside, to appreciate all the details of this beautiful temple.
The basic ticket, i.e. entrance to the cathedral, costs 5 euros. There are also more expensive tickets and packages, e.g. for the roof of the Duomo, which amazes with 135 gargoyles, pinnacles, and sculptures. Opening hours are 9-19, tickets can be purchased online and on-site, at ticket offices and ticket machines.
Inside we will see, among others Battistero Paleocristiano (4th century, the place where St. Ambrose baptized St. Augustine in 387), a crucifix with a nail from the cross of Christ, and an evocative statue of St. Bartholomew flayed. It is also worth paying attention to the stained glass windows, one of the largest in the world.
Note: Remember that clothes will be checked and no one will be allowed to enter the cathedral if not dressed properly.
Access: Duomo metro station
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II (Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II)
Milan is called the city of fashion, and this place is a paradise for fans of the best designers. We can find boutiques of the most expensive brands here: Prada, Versace, Louis Vuitton, Giorgio Armani, Gucci. We can also spend the night in the unique, 7-star “Seven Stars Galleria” hotel. The gallery, built in the 19th century and named after the first king of a united Italy, is located by the Duomo and is hard to miss.
Let’s take a look at the floor. You can discern blazons of various cities of united Italy. Spinning on the heel three times around its axis on the testicles of the Turin bull brings good luck! The passage is open 24 hours a day. Passing through the gallery to the other side, opposite to the Duomo, we will find ourselves in front of La Scala, the world’s most famous opera house (quite inconspicuous from the outside).
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
The origins of the castle date back to the 14th century and the Visconti family. However, a century later Castello passed into the hands of the Sforza, whose name it carries today. It is worth mentioning that this is the same family from which the Polish queen (wife of a king Sigismund I the Old and mother of a king Sigismund II Augustus ), Bona Sforza, came.
The castle has three internal courtyards, access to which is free. Inside, we can see a great art collection, the Egyptian Museum, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and more. The admission ticket is 5 euros.
Behind the castle is the Parco Scampione (Milan’s largest park), with its impressive triumphal arch (Arco della Pace).
Metro station: Cairoli Castello (or Lanza or Moscova)
The Last Supper
Probably everyone has heard about this famous work by Leonardo da Vinci. The masterpiece can be seen in the refectory of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. It is located very close to Sforza Castle. The ticket costs 15 euros. If you want to see the Last Supper during your visit to Milan, book your tickets online as soon as possible. They spread out like hotcakes, even a few months before the given date. When there are no available tickets, and you want to see this piece of art, the chance is to show up at the ticket office at 8 am, then „recycled” tickets are sold.
Metro station: Conciliazione
Modern Milan
Milan is not only the capital of fashion but also a thriving business center. Many international companies are located in the city, it is here that Italians who dream of a great career come. If you like modern architecture, it is worth paying attention to at least one of the city’s two business points:
Gae Aulenti Square: located close to the Stazione Centrale (main train station – the largest in Italy). Our attention will surely be drawn to the Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest) skyscrapers, covered with greenery and self-sufficient, as well as the tallest skyscraper in Italy (Torre Unicredit, 231 meters).
Metro station: Porta Nuova or Garibaldi
Tre Torri – City Life: Its name comes from three towers, designed by three famous architects (in colloquial language a straight tower, a twisted tower, a curved tower). They are adjacent to modern residential buildings and an architecturally interesting shopping mall.
Metro station: Tre Torri
Social Milan – Aperitivo by the Naviglio Grande
Milan is perceived as the cradle of aperitivo, i.e. the time of the day (usually 6.00 pm – 10.00 pm), during which we have a buffet available for the price of one drink (on average 8-12 euro), which we can use at will. It depends on the class of the restaurant and its reputation whether we will be offered simple snacks or several types of hot dishes. In the capital of Lombardy, those near Navigli, which is a charming district of old canals, are especially popular. The largest canal is Naviglio Grande. Among the recommended places are, among others Mag Cafè, Rita, La Prosciutteria, or Yguana Cafe.
Metro station: Porta Genova
Check out also my post about the most interesting attractions of Seville!