What are the top ten places to visit in Milan?
If we want to visit a big city like Milan, we must focus our attention on the monuments and main attractions, precisely those that we cannot miss! But after all what are the top ten places to visit in Milan? Let’s find out together! Stay with us and make the best of the country of boot shaped! Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams!!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Introduction
Let’s see how to explore the ten places that cannot be missed in Milan! Milan is a city that collects a lot of beauty, of course, different from those that offer the traditional ‘Bel Paese’ art cities and villages, but still rich in wonders. So do not expect a small and cozy historical center or inspiring ruins of ancient times, but a living, European city, where the majestic castles, churches, historical buildings and museums blend with the streets of shopping and nightlife.
1) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? DUOMO
The first place you can’t miss is the symbol of the city of Milan: the Duomo. The Cathedral of Milan is the most important work of Gothic architecture in Italy and is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assumption. It is impossible to list all the treasures you will find inside the church, because there are countless paintings, sculptures, altars, images in bas-relief and precious objects. The church is all made of white marble and it is among the largest Catholic churches in the world. READ MORE ABOUT THE DUOMO OF MILAN
The Terrace
During your visit, don’t forget to climb up to the Cathedral’s terrace to admire closely the exquisite pinnacles, the arches, the statues and especially the image of the “Madonnina”, as the Milanese calls their patroness. The ceiling of the Cathedral has a spectacular view of the Duomo Square, the headquarters of the Museo del Novecento, the Royal Palace, the porticos, the Vittorio Emanuelle II Gallery and further on from Sforzesco Castle.
2) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? VITTORIO EMANUELE II GALLERY
In second place is the Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery, dedicated to the king who inaugurated it in 1867. It was built to connect the Duomo Square to the Scala Theater and today houses fashionable stores and cafeterias. On the floor there is a central octagon where you find several symbols such as the Savoia family coat of arms and the emblems of Turin (bull), Rome (wolf), Florence (lily) and Milan (red cross). It is one of the most characteristic meeting points of the city. Its construction is from 1870 and there are restaurants, traditional cafes and high fashion stores.
3) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? SCALA THEATER
Leaving the Gallery, we find another wonder to visit: the Scala Square, where is located the Gallery of Italy (an entrance free museum that houses works of art from neoclassicism to the present day) and the famous Scala Theater. It is the temple of opera, besides being one of the most famous theaters on an international level. Located a few steps away from Duomo Square (with which it is connected thanks to the Vittorio Emanuele Gallery), it represents absolutely the art and culture of Milan.
4) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? REAL PALACE
Many of the most important modern art exhibitions on an international level pass by the Royal Palace, which is in the Royal Square, near Duomo Square. The Royal Palace is a meeting point for art lovers, as it often hosts important international exhibitions, where you can admire the masterpieces of the most renowned artists of all times.
5) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? SFORZESCO CASTLE AND THE SEMPIONE PARK
Located in the Castle Square, in the heart of Milan, the Sforzesco Castle Park is the green lung of the city center. Its name is linked to the Sforza family, the dukedom of Milan in the 15th century. Over the years, the castle was the target of guerrillas between French, Milanese and German troops and therefore destroyed. However, the main structure of the castle was never reached and a series of restoration works allowed the castle to be kept in its finest condition. Inside the castle it is possible to visit several museums or to admire the beautiful and huge gardens.
Outside the castle, to complete the square, there is a beautiful fountain. Behind the castle is Park Sempione, the perfect meeting point for young people on summer afternoons, ideal for a beautiful walk. The Castle is a magnificent complex of monumental character and is one of the symbols of Milan, just like Duomo.
6) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? CHURCH OUR LADY OF GRACE AND THE LAST SUPPER
The Church of Our Lady of Grace is one of the most famous in Milan; it was built between 1466 and 1490. This church is well known for sheltering in its refectory one of the most famous paintings in the world: “The Last Supper”, by Leonardo Da Vinci. For this very reason, the church Church of Our Lady of Graces was declared World Heritage by UNESCO. People from all over the world come to see the “Last Supper” of Da Vinci, which portrays Christ with the twelve Apostles at the Last Supper, before his death. EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE LAST SUPPER!
7) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? OUR LADY’S CHURCH AND SAN SATIRO
In the neighborhoods of the Sforzesco Castle, there is a jewel of Bramante’s architecture: the church of Our Lady and San Satiro. This charming apse church was designed by Donato Bramante. Although it is a bit hidden and small, its interior is wonderful. Its origins are from the middle Ages and during its construction the sanctuary of San Satiro was attached.
8) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? BRERA’S GALLERY
Brera is one of the most elegant and exclusive neighborhoods in the city. The 18th century palaces, the open-air cafes and the refined boutiques of clothes and accessories give the neighborhood a bohemian feel. In this region we have the Brera’s Gallery and the Academy of Fine Arts, which are the two treasures of this elegant neighborhood in the city of Milan.
The Brera’s Gallery is an art gallery that deserves to be admired; its beauty is already worth a visit in Milan. It has one of the most unique works of art in the world, thanks to Napoleon Bonaparte, who gathered important masterpieces – among them the “Dead Christ” by Mantegna; the “Pietà” by Bellini and works by Tiziano.
9) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? BASILICA OF SAINT AMBROSE
After Duomo, the Basilica of St. Ambrose is considered the most important religious building in the city. It is a splendid example of the Romantic-Lombard style. It has been built in the past and preserves artistic works and priceless relics that document six centuries of the city’s history. The Basilica, ordered by Bishop Ambrose between 379 and 386, has been remade several times. In 1492, Bramante made the new rectory and the restructuring of the monastery. While the Cathedral is white and attractive, the Basilica of St. Ambrose is red and the color terracotta gives a great and robust air.
10) What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? NAVIGLI
Navigli has picturesque and suggestive places, where in the mild seasons pleasant events take place at night by the canals, which mirror the old “community balcony houses”. Once upon a time, Milan was a city full of navigable canals that played an essential role in the social and economic life of the city.
Between the 15th and 16th centuries, the Navigli system was built: the navigable canals. One of the engineers who participated in the work was Leonardo da Vinci, who studied a way to connect the San Marcos Canal, in Brera, to the Martesana Canal and then to Adda. Of the old canals, only three remain: Naviglio Martesana, Naviglio Grande and Naviglio Pavese. Until the 19th century it was the port of the city and today it is the center of night life. Characteristic and romantic by day, full of life at night. A crowd of Milanese people and tourists crowd the bars for the traditional aperitif.
Watch this incredible video about Milan!
Fun Facts about Milan!
Before concluding this post I would like to share with you some fun facts about Milan. After all, you can’t make this trip without knowing all the details of the places you will visit.
The Devil’s Column
The Devil’s Column: is a column dating back to Roman times, and has two identical holes made at a height of about one meter from the ground. It’s near the Church of Sant’Ambrogio and, the legend tells, that the devil tried to seduce Sant’Ambrogio to abandon his role of bishop and, angry by the negative response, he threw a very powerful kick, beating the horns on the column and making the holes.
The Mermaid Bridge
The Mermaid’s Bridge is inside the Sempione Park and it’s located in a very romantic stream, with a small bridge called Ponte delle Sirene. The legend says that if you kiss your soul mate in this place, this person will never betray you.
Gnome Street
Gnome Street: no, you won’t find any magical creature here, but this street, in the Maggiolina district, behind the central station, is called so because of its little houses that characterize it: they are small dwellings, very similar to the Eskimos’ igloos, and that resemble gnome houses. Very charming!
Street art in Milan
Street art in Milan is growing very strongly! To see incredible murals and graffiti you can go to Corso di Porta Ticinese, Giardino della Cultura and Via Mercalli.
The Ghosts of Milan
The ghosts of Milan! One of the most famous is that of a bride who would have fallen from the roof of the Duomo. They say that, at night, we can hear Carlina, the bride who fell from the roof whispering around the Duomo.
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Hotels I advise in the Malpensa and Linate areas
Let’s start with the Malpensa and Linate areas, the city’s airport regions. Linate and Malpensa are close to the two main airports in Milan. Ideal for short stays and business trips or, and, if you have a car.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion, make your reservation and guarantee good prices.
If you prefer a good hotel, I have three options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Accommodation that I advise in the Duomo Region
One of the most charming regions is the Duomo area, cathedral and symbol of the city; this region is also perfect for those who love traditional cafes, trendy bars or for those who are always looking for the latest and follow the trends. The Duomo Square region is equipped with two metro lines, which make this region even more practical for those staying in the city.
If you want some indications of hostels and apartments, I have some options that I advise to save, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion already make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
I have two options for Hotels that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
- Hotel Canada (3 stars)
- Zurigo Hotel (3 stars)
- Uptown Palace (4 stars)
- Maison Milano (4 stars)
Hotels I suggest in the Historic Center Area
Another region to consider is the Historic Center of Milan, a tangle of charming streets. The so-called “fashion quadrilaterale”, the ideal place to shop in Milan, with its famous streets: Montenapoleone, Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia (and the Saint Spirit, Gesù and Borgospesso). Within this zone we can also consider the Zona Brera which is another wonderful area to stay
I have two options of B&B that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a hotel, I have three options that I recommend, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels that I suggest in the Region of Brera
The Brera neighborhood is famous for its high fashion boutiques, exclusive art galleries and trendy bars – it is north of Piazza Duomo. The characteristic streets are inviting for a stroll without a destination. The main attraction is the Pinacoteca di Brera, where priceless works of art are exhibited – among them, the masterpieces of Raffaello and Mantegna. It is in the southeastern region of Brera that the “fashion quadrilaterale” is located. The region is frequented by VIPs and socialites who spend horrors in the boutiques of brands like Armani, Valentino and Versace, on the outskirts of the elegant “Montenapo” (as the Milanese affectionately call Montenapoleone Street)
I have good hotel suggestions in Termini, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer B&B I have 2 good suggestions, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels that I suggest in the Navigli area
Also, the charming Navigli district is a very energetic region, which in recent years has developed a lot. The “bomb” region of bars, breweries, restaurants, bakeries and pizzerias and is home to one of the most acclaimed antique fairs in Northern Italy. The bustling nightlife, typical art galleries and characteristic streets make this region a great choice for those who want to stay in Milan and for those who love to enjoy the nightlife.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Hotels I advise in the Central Station Region
Another region with a high concentration of hotels is the Central Station, especially if you come by train. In this region there are several receptive structures and the best: for all budgets. Best region for those who want to do round trips from Milan.
If you want to save a great option is the B&B, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
If you prefer a good hotel, I have two options that I really like, click on the links below and get to know each one. If you like the suggestion make your reservation and guarantee good prices;)
Conclusion
What are the top ten places to visit in Milan? We all know, even if only by name, the busy Milan, always on the run, the Milan of fashion. However, it is not only that, but a city rich in monuments and artistic and cultural attractions. From museums to churches and monuments, attractions that deserve to be seen: it is from this Milan that we talk about in this brief guide.
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