Traveling around Italy, you want to see Milan, feel the style of its life, admire the sights of the city. Information about the most interesting places will help you decide what to see in Milan in one day. We have prepared a rich route so that you can usefully spend every minute and not forgive the most important and interesting things. A walk along the beautiful streets will bring incredible pleasure and each of you will discover this city from different angles.
Monumental cemetery
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 and composers are buried in a quiet, sad place. Sculptures and artists worked on the decoration of gravestones, crypts, monuments.
The rich people of the country planned the burial sites in advance, invested a lot of money in their design according to fashion requirements. The history of the city can be read by 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, angels.
A true masterpiece of architecture called "The Last Supper" (a stone copy of the famous painting), rises above the tomb of the Campari family. The cemetery is called an open space museum, which reflects the influences of various cultures over a long period of time. It is easy to get to the cemetery by bus, tram, metro. Admission without payment until 6 pm.
Triumphal Arch of Peace
The tradition of solemn entry into the defeated city has been known since antiquity. At the entrance, a majestic gate was erected, created according to the architectural style of the samples of the triumphal arches of Rome. The neoclassical monument, conceived to reflect the victories of Napoleon on the Apennine Peninsula, was erected by the architect Luigi Cagnola in the northern part of the city. Napoleon's dreams did not come true, but the beautiful arch was completed. In September 1838, a 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 famous monuments to the peoples who whitewashed Napoleon. The top (almost 25 m high) of three spans of the arch is decorated with a carriage of six horses (bronze sculpture of the Sestig of the world). A panel showing the fall of Napoleon has survived behind the slender columns. To the platform located at the top of the arch, just take the elevator.
Sempione Park
The popular green area of the city is located between the Sforzesco castle, the Arc de Triomphe. The park is designed in the style of the landscape traditions of England in 1893. It is pleasant for residents and tourists to enjoy the silence, breathe clean air in the center of the metropolis. There are many interesting places in the park. Among them:
- Little Mermaid Bridge. 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 ticket price for the observation deck is 5 Euros.
- Milan Triennial. Museum of International Importance, which hosts exhibitions, conferences on art, design, cinema.
- Oceanarium. The institution was created in 1906. It served as an exhibition hall for the International Exhibition. Entrance without payment.
Sforza castle
The former residence of the Italian dukes, who previously belonged to the Visconti family, is called the symbol of the city. The majestic castle towers, 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 old fortification. In the historical events of the 15th and 17th centuries, the castle was considered the largest citadel among the countries of Europe. Now all the buildings of the castle (towers, walls, gates) have been restored. In the inner part of the castle there are two cozy courtyards (Rochetta, Ducal). The castle houses the Sforza museum complex.
The ensemble includes libraries, several museums (Archaeological, Reunification), an art gallery. A Ballroom was built for sports and other mass events. Leonardo da Vinci took part in the decoration of the palace. Its famous frescoes are well preserved and adorn the walls of the castle. The Sforza Castle is located at Piazza Castello, 3. Opening hours from 7 am to 19 pm. Entrance fee is 5 €.
Affari Square
Otherwise, it is called the business or the area of transactions. On it is the building of the stock exchange or "Midnight Palace". Previously, there was an ancient Roman theater. Its detailed diagram is posted at the Exchange building. The current appearance of the square has arisen as a result of the implementation of the program for the reconstruction of the city center. Overlooking the rectangular square are the Palazzo della Borsa, Palazzo Mezzanotte. The austere building of a monumental look houses the Hall of Screams (where the auction was held at the top of the voice).
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. It is easy to get to the square by bus NM1, tram number 16, metro to the Cordusio stop.
Basilica of St. Ambrose
The oldest church was erected in 1128 on the burial site of the martyrs of early Christianity. The relics of the founder of the original building of the basilica, St. Ambrose of Mediolana, 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, while a beautiful gold altar of the 9th century, an old interior decorated with carvings and mosaics, have been preserved here. In the center of the church stands the Serpent Column (a bronze serpent is depicted on the granite column), confirming the Byzantine character of the 11th century work.
The basilica houses a museum with exhibitions dedicated to the history of the church. There are many interesting legends and legends associated with the church that still live today. The white column next to the church is called the "Pillar of the Devil". According to legend, two holes visible on the column were formed as a result of Ambrose's struggle with the Devil. The address of the basilica: Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, 15. The opening hours of the basilica are from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm.
Milan Cathedral: ticket with access to terraces - 16 €
Milan Cathedral and Terraces by Elevator: Fast Track Ticket - 25 €
48h, 72h or 1 day hop-on hop-off ticket - € 22
Serravalle Designer Outlet: round trip bus - 20 €
National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci
You can walk for a long time through the numerous halls of three floors (an area of about 50 thousand square meters) of the ancient monastery or the building of San Vittore. The museum was opened in 1953. There are 15,000 exhibits, 50,000 videos, 40,000 books in seven thematic departments. Medieval pharmacies, halls with amazing collections of cars, engines, electrical appliances, clocks, musical instruments, etc. tell about the many-sided inventions of mankind. Famous drawings, wooden models of the genius inventor Leonardo da Vinci are kept in a separate pavilion of the famous National Museum of Italy.
Visitors to the museum can take part in a virtual trip on the Enrico Toti submarine, evaluate a fragment of an old model of a transatlantic liner, get acquainted with the masterpieces of the Renaissance, and see distant 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. The ticket price is 10 €. Reduced ticket 7.5 €.
Naviglio Grande Canal
The famous canals begin at 24 May Square, located next to the Ticinese Gate. Now two of them have survived, Naviglio - Grande and Pavia. In the 18th century, an outlet to the sea was created through them for the passage of ships with cargo. Now you can see the individual parts of the locks, created by Fioravanti, improved by Leonardo to Vinci (Conca di Viarenna lock).
The Naviglio Grande Canal is 50 km long and 12 m wide and runs from Milan to Ticino. It connects to the canals to provide operational shipping. In former times, snow-white marble was delivered along it for the construction of the Duomo. The courtyards of the houses located on the banks of the canal attract tourists with numerous workshops of artists and shops. There are exciting flea markets every last Sunday of the month. A romantic green paradise on the banks of the canal has a special life.
Porta Ticinese Gate
The history of the gate begins from the distant time of the Roman Empire, when life was in full swing on the ancient road leading to the city of Pavia. Narrow streets, multi-colored three-storey houses, tram lines formed the atmosphere of the old Ticinum quarter. At the entrance to the city (along the protective walls) the ancient Porta Ticinese gate with one passage in the center towered. 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.
On the site of the old gate, a new gate was built according to the project of the architect Cagnola during the time of Napoleon. The massive architectural creation of the neoclassical style is the landmark of the city. Previously, they were called the Porta Marenga 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 crown jewel of the city's attractions. The symbol of faith of Catholics, striking in size, harmonious combination of architectural styles (used in construction for 7 centuries), the snow-white Cathedral of the Duomo 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 rooftop terrace. The view from the platform helps to appreciate the magic of the openwork lace of 135 spiers of the Cathedral, the silhouettes of numerous statues (their number is 3400), the external decoration of the architectural masterpiece.
The attributes of the Gothic style of the figure of chimeras, gargoyles, hiding on the walls of the building and protecting it, look mysterious, do not clean from all. The inner part of the dome is decorated with four rows of statues (15 units each) depicting martyrs and saints. The exterior of the Cathedral is striking in shades of marble, depending on the incidence of light. In the rays of the sun it looks pink, a silver moonlit night. Hundreds of poems, images in photographs, paintings are dedicated to the unusual structure of Italy. You can visit the Cathedral from 9 to 19 hours daily. The lift to the observation deck costs 12 €. For tickets to the Treasury of the Cathedral you have to pay 2 €, the Baptistery 4 €.
Gallery Vittorio Emmanuele II
The building of one of the first passages in Europe, protected by a glass dome, decorated with a unique mosaic depicting elements of the four continents of the planet, was built in 1877. The gallery connects the squares in front of the Duomo and the Teatro alla Scala. It has the shape of a Latin cross, accentuated by an interesting octagonal center with a majestic dome. The interior decoration of the gallery amazes with bright frescoes, fancy stucco moldings, mosaic floors 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 first world boutique Prada), located strictly under the center of the dome. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions and concerts. The most expensive 7-star hotel operates in the passage. The passage is open round the clock. It is interesting to wander along it at night. Gallery address: Piazza del Duomo. Shops are open from 10 am to 10 pm.
La Scala square
Nowadays, the square boasts the facades of several attractions: the Victor Emmanuel Gallery, the Marino Palace, and the Teatro alla Scala. The modern look of the square began to be created on the site of medieval buildings in 1858. The Marino Palace, built in the 16th century, was transferred to the city treasury in 1861. The decision to turn it into a city hall accelerated the formation of a beautiful architectural ensemble, a cozy square. Later, the city hall was located in the renovated building with the original facade. It houses the Trusardi Fashion Center, where showcases of clothing collections take place.
The square has (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. It is easy to get to the square 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 and played an important role in the country's historical events. The main part of the architectural buildings of the Middle Ages has been preserved on the square. This is a loggia de Uzzia, made of marble of white, black shades. The Gothic building of the Paigarola residential building, which served as the registration chamber in the century, the Court of Legal Advisers with an interesting tower of the Commune (at its top, statues of figures of famous personalities were 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 Rajone, Palatine. On the square square, surrounded by beautiful old buildings, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, antique shops, which have made it one of the lively, popular places among tourists and the local population. In the central area of the square, a well of the 16th century in the form of a spring with two columns has been completely preserved.
Palace of Legal Advisers
Project of the architect Seregni for the construction of the palace of the Legal Advisers around the ancient tower (Napo Torriani XIII century), was realized in 1562. Functionally, the tower was intended to alert residents to bells in connection with special events in the city. Later, instead of the bells, a clock was installed. A sculpture of the patron saint of the city, St. Ambrose, is installed in the niche of the tower. Now the Palace has four floors, finished with cocoa-colored cut stone. Its area is 2000 sq. m.
On the ground floor, around the facade, there is a gallery with numerous entrances, columns, balustrades. At various times, it housed the "College of Noble Doctors" or an educational institution for future lawyers of politicians. Stock Exchange, Bank, Telegraph, Chamber of Commerce. All conference halls 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, the locals decided to build a Cathedral in honor of Bishop Carlo Borromeo (during the bubonic plague of the 16th century). His canonization took place in 1610. Completed construction on the site of the old church of St. Mary (existed in 1317) in 1847. A tall dome rises on 36 granite columns that delimit the entrance to the Cathedral, giving the church the appearance of a Roman pantheon.
The interior 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 historic center of the city.
Central station
The pompous railway station building appeared in 1931 under the rule 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 of 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 infrastructure of the station includes cafes and restaurants.
Post office, lost property, social assistance, currency exchange offices, car rental. It belongs to the largest train stations in Europe. The station, built at the request of Mussolini (confirming the power of the fascist regime), is decorated with a huge steel dome. Steel trusses with metal rivets, numerous drawings on the walls (zodiac signs, helmets, heads, Latin inscriptions). The beautiful train station inspires respect and is considered an example of the cultural heritage of the times of Mussolini. Powerful escalators lead to the metro, providing additional travel convenience to the station.
