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Worth Visiting

Duomo. The cathedral is the symbol of Milan, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture, which encapsulates the ambition and creativity of the city. Its construction started in 1386 but was not completed until 600 years later when it became the third largest church in Europe (after Rome’s Saint Peter’s and Seville’s cathedral). Before you go up to the rooftop of the cathedral to admire the view of the city from above, admire it from the ground: it is decorated with 3,400 statues and 135 spires, and its interior is equally rich. High above the altar, the nail that is considered as originating from Christ’s Cross is kept. You will see the lifting mechanism, possibly a Leonardo da Vinci device, used to reach the sacred relic.

Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper’’. Thousands of visitors flock to Santa Maria delle Grazie renaissance monastery, and not necessarily to pray, but to admire Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, “The Last Supper’’ which can be seen on the wall of the Cenacolo Vinciano, the monastery’s refectory. The work depicts the moment when Christ reveals to his disciples that “one of you will betray me’’. Despite the wear it has suffered and the extensive works for its restoration, which lasted 22 years, the crowds continue to come. Only 25 persons at a time are allowed in the room and for this reason reservations are required. For the record, the fresco took Leonardo da Vinci three years to complete, a masterful, painstaking study, which has become one of the world’s most iconic works.

Brera Art Gallery. On the second floor of one of the greatest Fine Arts Academies of Italy, is the Art Gallery, which at the commands of Napoleon housed art treasures from the Kingdom of Italy of the time. Admire the great works by the Italian masters: Bellini, Mantegna, Tintoretto, Veronese, Caravaggio, as well as masterpieces by Van Dyck, Rubens and Goya.

The Teatro alla Scala of Milan. Perhaps the most famous opera house in the world. In the 18th century building with its neoclassical façade, red galleries, amazing acoustics and museum dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi (since he composed Nabucco in Milan) operas, ballets and plays are staged from December to July. It is not easy to get a ticket – there is a waiting list of up to two months.

Sforza castle (Castello Sforzesco) built by the powerful Visconti family in the 14th century, was later transformed when it became home to the Sforza dynasty whom it is named after. Its decoration was assigned to top sculptors including Leonardo da Vinci who also designed the castle’s defences. Napoleon ordered that the moat be abolished, changing the look of the famous building. Today it houses seven museums of the city – including the Museums of Prehistory, Musical Instruments and Furniture, as well as the Art Gallery with its rich collection, a highlight of which is the Michelangelo’s swansong “Pietà Rondanini”.

Biblioteca Ambrosiana (The Ambrosian library), named after Saint Ambrose of Milan, was established at the beginning of the 17th century and houses treasures from West European countries, Greece and Syria. It is famous for its vast collection of manuscripts (15,000 of which from the personal collection of its founder, Cardinal Borromeo alone, who donated treasures from the Benedictine monastery of Bobbio and the library of Vincenzo Pinelli), including 12 of Leonardo da Vinci’s manuscripts, among which the famous Codex Atlanticus with notes and drafts on mathematics and astronomy. The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (The Ambrosian Art Gallery) also houses a rich collection, including works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Tiziano and Tiepolo.

The Νaviglio Grande Canal. Not very far from the centre of Milan you can find its oldest canal - a system of five interconnected canals: Naviglio Grande, Naviglio Pavese, Naviglio Martesana, Naviglio di Paderno, Naviglio di Bereguardo. These canals were originally used as far back as the 12th century to strengthen Milan’s defence and irrigation system. In the 20th century, they served purely commercial purposes and soon fell into decline. Today, around the canals that have been restored with flowing water the city’s nightlife has developed with dozens of eating places, cafés, bars and galleries. It is also a great area for a walk, bike ride, or even for boating.

Giardini Pubblici (Public Gradens). The city may not be blessed with lots of green space, but the Public Gardens are a welcome exception. They were created at the end of the 18th century when architect Giuseppe Piermarini, designer of Milan’s Teatro alla Scala, joined together several public areas that formerly belonged to the monasteries.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Back in the mid-19th century, when malls were still just a figment of our imagination, the first shopping centre was built in Italy by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni. The mall was named after the first king of united Italy. Today the area between the city’s Cathedral and the Opera House is home to some favourite Italian and international designer stores.

Milan National Museum of Science and Technology "Leonardo da Vinci". It is only natural that a museum of science, technology and inventions would be established in the city where Leonardo Da Vinci spent his most productive years. Housed in a 16th century monastery, it is the largest museum of its kind in Italy with a collection of over 15,000 technical-scientific objects including models based on the famous designs of the polymath.

Inter and Milan Museums. Football fans will ‘’have a ball’’ at San Siro stadium, which houses the combined museum of the city’s two legendary football teams, Inter and Milan.

Shopping

Some cities in Europe are really worth shopping in and Milan is surely at the top of the list! The best place to start is at the Galleria Vittoriο Εmanuele, the historical 19th century shopping mall, where you can find all the famous fashion brands decorating shop windows, in a marriage of fashion and art – in four streets: via Manzoni, via Montenapoleone, via della Spiga and corso Venezia.

Even for those who are not interested in the new season trends Milan has the answer. Around the city there are malls and discount outlets like Salvagente (where you will discover pieces from previous seasons with up to 60% discount). Take the bus from the centre of Milan to get there in 45 minutes.

Excursions around Milan

Bergamo. Just 40 kilometres from Milan, Bergamo is a relatively quiet and small town. On the outskirts of the densely populated plain, traversed by the River Po and “capped’’ by the snowy peaks of the Alps, Bergamo is a city with two different faces: the Città Alta (Upper town) and Città Bassa (Lower town). The medieval Upper Town is built on a hill and enclosed by well-maintained Venetian walls that hide cobbled streets and some of the most important sights. In contrast, the modern Lower Town is flat with impressive squares, historical buildings and shopping and pedestrian streets that are ideal for walks and bike rides.

Lake Como. The most famous and cosmopolitan lake of northern Italy is less than 40 minutes away. You can visit three or, with good organisation, even four villages in just one day, led by Bellagio, Varenna, and of course Como itself.

Lake Lugano. Between Lake Como and Lake Maggiore, on the Swiss Border with Italy, a dreamy landscape unfolds, with picturesque roads, mansions, old palaces and the cathedral of San Lorenzo, an icon of the Italian Renaissance.

Cinque Terre. On the north west coast of Italy, is the spectacular Italian Riviera with its five beautiful fishing villages nestled on steep cliffs, built so close to each other that some try to explore them all on foot. The area is a major attraction, drawing you in with its authentic Italian atmosphere, amazing cuisine and beautiful nature. All five villages, which are a protected area and National Park of Italy, have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start with Manarola, Vernazza and Riomaggiore.

Food and Entertainment

Some of the best places for food are the small eateries of Brera and the wine bars in the centre or by the canals. Try the famous creamy risotto alla milanese with saffron, ossobuco alla milanese (braised veal with vegetables and white wine), cutlets alla milanese (like schnitzel) and of course pasta and authentic Italian pizza with a very thin crust. It goes without saying that a visit to Milan must also include an Italian ice cream, freshly baked panzerotti (sweet or savoury), panettone (mini or large fluffy cakes in different flavours) and authentic Italian coffee.

At night, cosmopolitan Milan offers elegant options and trendy hot spots to suit every taste. In the city, people start going out early in the afternoon for the famous Italian Aperitivo ritual and then go on for food or a drink.

The Isola neighbourhood attracts young people and most of the hip bars are close by, between Corso Como and Corso Garibaldi. For more lively clubbing you can go to Corso Sempione and the Navigli canal district.

Transport from Milan Airport

Catch the Malpensa Express train from Malpensa airport to the centre or the Air Pullman bus. You could always take a taxi, but they are quite expensive.