Do you have little time and want to visit Milan? Here are the ten must-see places for those visiting a city full of art and culture.
1 Milan Cathedral
The Duomo of Milan, built over four centuries, from 1386 to the nineteenth century, in Lombard Gothic style, is the symbol par excellence of the city. “La Madonnina”, by Giuseppe Bini, was erected on the main spire of the Duomo of Milan in the last days of December 1774. It is possible to climb the terraces from which an unmissable view of the city is presented!
2 The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Dedicated to the king who inaugurated it in 1867, built in Neo-Renaissance style, connecting Piazza Duomo and the Scala theater. It represents the archetype of the nineteenth century shopping gallery. Today it presents itself with shops and trendy cafes. In the central octagon, on the floor, the heraldic symbol of the Savoy and the coats of arms of Turin (bull), Rome (lupa), Florence (lily), Milan (red cross).
3 La Scala Theater
With 2015 seats, it is one of the most famous theaters in the world. Opened August 3, 1778 with “Europe recognized”, a musical drama composed for the occasion by Antonio Salieri. The theater takes its name from the Church of Santa Maria alla Scala, which is in turn named after the patron Regina della Scala. The theater destroyed during the Second World War was immediately rebuilt.
4 The Fashion District
Via Montenapoleone, via Manzoni, Sant’Andrea and via della Spiga, are the fashion heart of the city where jewelers, designer boutiques and showrooms are concentrated. Via Monte Napoleone, is among the most expensive and prestigious streets in the world, here you can go shopping in the windows of the big fashion brands and famous faces in the area.
5 Brera
The Academy of Fine Arts and the Art Gallery which houses works by the major Italian artists from the 13th to the 20th century such as the Dead Christ by Mantegna, the Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, the Portrait by Modise Moise Kisling. In the Brera district, halfway between bohemian and chic, you will find street artists among the narrow streets, night clubs and fortune tellers ready to predict the future.
6 The Sforzesco Castle, Sempione Park and Civic Arena
It was founded in 1368 as a fortress by the Visconti, then the Sforza transformed it into one of the most beautiful Renaissance residences in Europe. In 1494 Ludovico il Moro came to power and the castle became the seat of one of the richest and most magnificent courts in Europe, to the realization of which artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante were called to work. Inside there are the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo and the Sala delle Asse frescoed with Leonardo’s pergola.
7 I Navigli
Until the 19th century they were the port of the city and today they are at the center of the nightlife: From the Naviglio Grande, the most important with the Naviglio Pavese, the barges arrived (now transformed into local), with the marble needed to make the Cathedral.
8 Sant’Ambrogio
The basilica of Sant’Ambrogio is one of the oldest churches in Milan and today represents a monument of the paleochristian and medieval era, but also a fundamental point in the history of Milan and its Ambrosian church. The basilica was built between 379 and 386 at the behest of the bishop of Milan Ambrogio, it was built in an area where Christians martyred by Roman persecutions were buried. He underwent several renovations, such as those made by Bramante in 1492 with the new rectory and the renovation of the monastery.
9 The Last Supper in Santa Maria delle Grazie
They come from all over the world to see the Cenacle of Leonardo, a masterpiece by Leonardo and the Italian Renaissance in general that portrays the Christ with the twelve Apostles at the last supper before his death . The painting, located in the Refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie, was built between 1494 and 1498.
10 the Triennale
International cultural institution in which to relax between culture and innovation. You will find conferences and art events, exhibitions of great visibility and attention such as those dedicated to contemporary art, to architects and designers of national and international renown, to the great designers who have changed taste and costume.
