What to see in Milan. What to see in Milan in one day? Plus a find - the discounter of sweets "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci: where to look and how to buy tickets
Embrace the immensity and познакомиться to the maximum with Milan in 1 day. There is certainly something to see in this incredible city, whether it be attractions, museums, expensive boutiques or local restaurants. Walking around the city, you can just get lost in some cute old street or, at least, sit down for a cup of cappuccino in one of the cozy bars, not to mention the bewitching windows of boutiques and shops where you can completely forget about the count of time.
For those who wish to get acquainted with the main sights of Milan, having made an exciting journey on foot, it is enough to follow this route. The city of Milan is very compact, so you can get around the center without much difficulty on foot, seeing the city to the maximum in all details, the main thing is to stock up on comfortable shoes.
See Milan in 1 day:
Duomo Cathedral and main square in Milan:
We start our route from the city center. A starting point- the main symbol of Milan, the majestic cathedral Duomo Cathedral. The cathedral is the pearl of the city; numerous stories and legends are associated with it.
This cathedral is one of the five most beautiful and largest churches in the world.
In the Duomo Cathedral there is a relic - a nail, which, according to legend, was hammered into the crucifixion of Christ. It is hard to imagine that for two thousand years this nail survived and was delivered to the cathedral. Every year it is taken from the altar and shown to believers in anticipation of a miracle. The size of the cathedral is impressive, it is the fourth largest in Europe after St. Peter's in the Vatican, St. Paul's in London and Seville Cathedral in Seville. There are 3400 statues in the cathedral alone. By the way, the Duomo in Milan is the only white marble Gothic cathedral in Europe, which was built for several centuries.
Duomo Square and the snow-white marble facade of the Gothic cathedral are an arena for cultural celebrations, as well as a must-see place for every tourist!
On a cloudless day, don't miss the opportunity See Milan from a bird's eye view from the top of the Duomo(€7 to go up the steps and €12 to take the lift). Incredible spectacle, from where a panorama of the whole city opens.
Entrance to the Duomo Cathedral is paid - 2 euros.
The launch to the roof of the cathedral takes place in groups, you have to wait in line for a while, but it's worth it. You can go up to the roof by elevator or on foot.
Tickets are sold on the left side of the facade of the cathedral.
On the main square of the Duomo are first-class shops, for example, the most famous in the city department store Rinascente, having risen to the last floor of which, you will find yourself on a terrace from which you can see the roof of the main Duomo Cathedral from close up.
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II:
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II- one of the most significant places after Milan Duomo, this is the most famous shopping gallery in the city, it got its name in honor of the first king, Victor Emmanuel II.
The Milan shopping gallery connects the square in front of the city's cathedral with the square in front of the La Scala theatre. Under the central dome of the gallery on the floor is Turin coat of arms which attracts the attention of thousands of tourists every day. It is believed that if you turn three times on the testicles of the bull depicted on the coat of arms of Turin, then your wish will come true.
While in the Gallery, take a closer look at its structure and frescoes. The gallery is designed in the form of a Latin cross, the octagonal center of which is decorated with mosaics, each of which symbolizes a separate continent: Europe, Asia, America and Africa.
This is the first construction in Italy to combine metal and glass, the passage is covered by a glass dome towering over 47 m.
La Scala Theatre:
Passing through the gallery of Victor Emmanuel II, you will find yourself near the famous La Scala Theatre. There is also a monument to Leonardo da Vinci on the square.
La Scala translated from Italian means “stairs”, however, the name of the theater has nothing to do with this word.
The theater was founded by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini in 1776-1778. on the site of the church of Santa Maria della Scala, from where the name of the theater itself came from. And the church, in turn, received its name in 1381 from the patroness of the rulers of Verona by the name of Scala (Scaliger) - Beatrice della Scala (Regina della Scala).
Sforza Castle and Sempione Park:
Return back to Piazza Duomo and start your journey along the pedestrian street via Dante, full of shops and bars, which will lead you to another main attraction of the city - Sforza Castle- the former residence of the Italian dukes of the Sforza dynasty. The castle was conceived as a defensive fortress at the entrance to Milan. Next to it is Sempione Park where you can even feed the fish in the pond. Entrance to the castle itself and the park is free.
The main attraction of the city park Sempione, belonging to the Sforzesco castle Peace Arch.
Peace Arch in Milan Brera area:
And of course, don't miss a visit. one of the most bohemian districts of Milan - Brera.
Brera is a colorful and creative district of Milan, here you will find numerous shops and shops, cafes and bars. The famous art gallery is located in this historic district. Pinacoteca Brera. Brera- one of the most romantic places, a great area for a Milanese aperitif or just an evening walk.
If on the clock 18.00
, then it's time to join the Milanese life and try Milanese aperitif in one of the local bars.
The tradition of Italians to gather for a glass of alcohol and a small snack appeared a long time ago. Now this is a very convenient pastime, because in Happy Hour you can skip a glass of something stronger and treat yourself to a variety of snacks in the form of nuts, olives, traditional crackers, fruits, various types of cheese and pizza.
Stopping for an aperitif is a great pastime and dinner choice for many. The snack buffet will let you choose whatever you want for only 5-7 euros. All you have to do is order an alcoholic or non-alcoholic cocktail or a glass of wine and you can enjoy snacks as much as you want. The most suitable establishments for an aperitif with a large selection of snacks and a pleasant atmosphere in our selection of Aperitifs in Milan.
On a note: the price of the aperitif includes 1 glass of cocktail or wine and all snacks on the buffet in any quantity, when ordering a second cocktail you pay an additional cost. Happy hour starts at 18.00 and ends at 20.00/21.00, depending on the establishment.
The most suitable areas for an aperitif: Corso Como, Corso Garibaldi, Corso Sempione, Brera, Navigli.
Have a nice trip!
Milan map, city center Milan has a huge number of museums and galleries. list of must visit museums you can meet here.
Milan is the capital of Italian Lombardy. It is a city with an imprint of a glorious history, which is replete with monuments of distant antiquity. Milan is the capital of Italian Lombardy. It is a city with an imprint of a glorious history, which is replete with monuments of distant antiquity.
Top 10 Milan Attractions
What should you see in Milan? Below are 10 must-see sites.
Duomo Cathedral
The white marble Milanese Duomo is the main symbol of the city and the largest Gothic cathedral. It was erected in honor of the Nativity of the Mother of God. Its construction began in 1386 and ended in 1880. The nail from the crucifixion of the Savior is kept in the cathedral, which is shown only on the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The gem of the Duomo is a statue of the Madonna in gold leaf. It stands on the highest spire and majestically looks at Milan from a height of 110 meters. There are two ways to get to the roof of the building: by elevator or stairs. From the top of the Duomo, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the surroundings of the city, right up to the snow-whitened Alps on the horizon.
Entrance to the cathedral free. Taking a photo is worth it 2 euro. Roof top cost: 12 euro for an adult and 6 - for a child.
Duomo Square
Duomo Square is full of life: musicians and street performers perform here. Walking around the square with children, be sure to feed the tame pigeons. The food is sold right there for 1.5 EUR.
Vittorio Emmanuele Gallery
What to see in Milan if it's raining? So, next to the Duomo is the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, named after the first Italian king. Go there! The passage was built in the 19th century by the architect D. Mengoni. The highlight of the passage is a huge dome and glass roofs. The building is decorated with amazing frescoes, beautiful statues, magnificent stucco work, as well as a mosaic floor.
Curious fact! The coats of arms of Italian cities are reflected on the floor of the passage. Turin enjoys great attention - with the image of a bull. According to the sign, if you put your heel on the genitals of this animal, and then make three circles around you, then any wish you make will come true.
The gallery houses elite shops, among them - the oldest Prada boutique (under the dome itself). In the gallery you can wait out the bad weather by drinking a cup of coffee or having a hearty lunch - there are a huge number of bars, cafes and first-class restaurants.
State Museum of Modern Art
On the other side of the Duomo is the Royal Palace, in fact - the State Museum of Modern Art. It contains approximately 3000 exhibits. Within the walls of the building are paintings by famous painters of Italy and the whole world. Entrance free.
Lascal Square and Opera House
Leaving the passage on La Scala Square, you will find yourself at the legendary opera house. Its gray facade looks inconspicuous. But the interior is luxurious and majestic: velvet chairs, gilded walls, amazing stucco, expensive crystal, huge mirrors. There is also a theater museum here. Entrance to the museum - by tickets, which are desirable to order in advance. Price: €10 .
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana was founded in 1618 and named after Saint Ambrose. Real masterpieces are kept here: manuscripts by Leonardo da Vinci and a large art collection of the 14th-19th centuries. The original interior captures the attention of visitors. Adult ticket costs 8 euro, children's - 5.
Pinacoteca Brera
Be sure to visit the main art gallery of the city - the Brera Pinacoteca, which is located in the picturesque area of the same name. The collection of the city's largest museum includes works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Modigliani, Picasso, Titian, and other brilliant artists of bygone centuries. Entrance - 9 euro.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
An ideal example of religious architecture is the famous Santa Maria delle Grazie. The author of the church is the architect D. Bramante (XV century), who also designed the Roman Cathedral of St. Peter. Amazing frescoes, paintings, medallions, statues of saints adorn this majestic Renaissance building. Inside the church is its main exhibit - the famous fresco by Leonardo da Vinci "The Last Supper". Permeated with the spirit of the Renaissance, it excites the feelings of visitors to this day. To see the masterpiece is possible only by prior request.
Castello Sforzesco
Castello Sforzescon is located in the spacious Piazza Castello, where a beautiful fountain constantly operates. The castle is strikingly similar to the Moscow Kremlin. The thing is that the Kremlin was designed by an Italian architect, who took the silhouette of the Sforza castle as a basis.
Inside Castello Sforzesco there are things of nobles, perfectly preserved from the distant 15th century: coins, furniture, clothes, etc. The painting by A. Mantegna "Madonna with the Child Jesus and Saints" is kept in the castle. Ticket price - 7 euro.
San Siro Stadium
What to see in Milan in the evening? Of course, football! Italians can be divided into fans of Milan and Inter. The most important football event in the country is the competition of both teams on the field of Milan's San Siro stadium. It is impossible to describe what is happening in the stands during these matches. Fans not only shout, make noise, blow, sing, they also gesticulate very actively with their hands. This is truly a breathtaking sight!
What to see in Milan on your own
A walk along the ancient canals will leave an unforgettable impression in the soul of any traveler. The biggest channelMilan- Naviglio Grande. The streets adjacent to it are favorite places for dates. There are many bars and cafes, open-air trade counters on them. Live music plays here and a romantic atmosphere reigns.
What to see in Milan for a fashion lover? Quarter"Golden Quadrangle"- the real world of shopping. It connects 4 streets, which are lined with iconic brand boutiques and jewelry stores. In autumn and spring, while in Milan, you can get to the famous show - Fashion Week. Thus, this incredible city is a real paradise for fashionistas and shopaholics.
What to do in Milan besides shopping? Summer in Milan in the open air are music festivals and noisy fairs. Entry is usually free. Based in Milan for Christmas and New Year- you can have a great time without excursions. The city sparkles with bright illumination, elegant Christmas trees are set up everywhere, and solemn concerts are held on the main squares.
The nightlife of Milan is also remembered by everyone for its splendor and festive atmosphere. What can you see in Milan at night? First of all - this clubs:
- jazz bar "La Buca";
- "Club House";
- "La Balera dell" Ortica.
And local night bars will offer midnight visitors delicious Italian snacks, wines, cocktails.
What to see in Milan with kids
And now about the interesting places that are required to visit with the kids in the capital of Lombardy.
Quite recently, a children's museumMuba. Exhibitions and games are held here. There is also a playground, cafe and book room.
The most popular place for children is considered CafeIl Massimo delGelato. Visitors will be offered to try delicious types of ice cream: with cocoa and even with spices.
Museumscience and technology the great da Vinci - an interesting place for curious children. Sitting in a special boat, the kids imagine that they are going on a long voyage. And thanks to large telescopes, little visitors look at the sky with stars with interest.
Another exciting place that kids will love - urbanaquarium. It is located in the chic Sempione Park, not far from the Sforzesco Castle. Kids will be happy to watch numerous species of fish, marine predators and other representatives of the underwater world. Nice fact - free entry.
Curious kids will be delighted with the unique museumnatural science. The tour is interesting not only for children, but also for adults. There are halls in which various climatic conditions are created. And the exhibits on display (for example, pliosaurus fossils) will leave an indelible impression on visitors large and small. On Friday after 2 pm the entrance to the museum is free.
What else to see in Milan for children? Of course, hamokSforza that all Milanese are proud of. In the daytime, animators work here, who invite the guys to go in search of ghosts. Everyone is given white sheets with paints, so that everyone draws a mask for himself.
Thus, in Milan there are enough places to have fun with the little ones.
What to see around Milan
Bergamo is a picturesque city located in the vicinity of Milan. Here is the Pavia Certosa, which was once a Cortesian monastery. This elegant building was built at the end of the XIV century. Location: between Milan and Pavia.
Be sure to visit one of the lakes located near Milan. The pearl of the lakes of northern Italy is lakeComo. It is surrounded by luxurious villas and picturesque nature.
On the banks lakesMaggiore sprawling magnificent palaces and beautiful gardens.
Cost of excursions in Milan
| Excursion | Price in euro | Duration in hours |
|
| from the group | per person | ||
| Sightseeing tour of Milan | 120 | — | 3,5 |
| 2 hour tour of Milan | 30 | — | 2 |
| Milan Museum Tour | 60/hour | — | 1-3 |
| Walk along the canals of the old city | 50 | — | 1,5 |
| Milan by car in 3 hours | 200 | — | 3 |
| Sightseeing walking tour of Milan | 140 | — | 4 |
| City bike tour | 100 | — | 2 |
| Evening Milan | 130 | — | 4 |
| In the footsteps of Leonardo Da Vinci | — | 60 | 3 |
| Overview of Milanese architecture | 50 | — | 3 |
| Milan in Art Nouveau style | — | 40 | 2 |
| Cycle "Quarters of Milan". Tour and shopping. First walk | 150 | — | 3 |
| Taste Milano | — | from 280 | 3 |
| Brera - Milanese Montmartre. From the series "Quarters of Milan". Second walk |
150 | — | 3 |
|
Museum at La Scala Theater |
50/hour | — | 2 |
| Historic center of Milan | 150 | — | 3 |
| Milan of the Napoleonic period | — | 40 | 2 |
| Impressionism in the gallery of modern art | 50/hour | — | 2 |
| To Lake Como from Milan | 130 | — | 6 |
| Lake Como - excursion to the luxurious Villa Carlotta with a fairytale lake cruise |
160 | — | 5 |
| Trip to Lake Como | 200 | — | 8 |
| Lake Garda - Sirmione | 150 | — | 6 |
| 1 day trip to Lake Maggiore | 250 | — | — |
|
Excursion to Lake Garda (amusement park Gardaland, |
300 | — | 9 |
| Renaissance Castle - Sforza | 120 | — | 2 |
| Secrets of the castle and the Sforza dynasty | 70 | — | 2 |
| Trip to Veneto for 1 day. Beauty of nature, thermal springs, wine tasting |
— | 25 | — |
| Italian Alps or "only mountains can be better than mountains" | 350 | — | 9 |
Note! All the above excursions are in Russian.
Video what to see in Milan
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Milan is the second largest city in Italy with a population of about 1.5 million people (Greater Milan - 5 million inhabitants). It is a large industrial center, the world capital of fashion. It hosts international trade and industrial exhibitions, sporting events.
It is no coincidence that Milan attracts tourists from all over the world: cathedrals, castles, palaces are adjacent to flowering parks and squares. The city has a rich cultural life: museums, theaters, concerts.
For me, Milan is, first of all, a city that does not sleep. We were there in the midst of the July heat. In the evening, nightlife begins to boil here. Numerous cafes and restaurants with summer terraces are filled with visitors - elegantly dressed young people. Music is playing, laughter is everywhere. All this creates a mood of celebration and magic.
How to get there
Milan has 3 airports. The main one is Malpensa Airport. From there, the city center can be reached by express train. The airport in Bergamo is also considered one of the airports in Milan. The distance from it to the center of Milan is about 50 km. It is here that the planes of the Russian low-cost airline Pobeda arrive.
The third airport - Linate - is located in the center of Milan and is used mainly for local flights.
The city has three railway stations.
Milan Central Station
One of the largest railway stations in Europe. The 19th century building still looks large and imposing. From here you can get to the airports of the city. There is an express train to Malpensa Airport (51 flights per day). The fare is 10 euros for an adult, 5 euros for a child. The airports of Malpensa, Linato and Bergamo can also be reached by bus from the station.
Central Station is one of the few places in the city center where you can buy groceries after 8 pm.
Milan Garibaldi Station (Milano Porta Garibaldi)
Another major train station in Milan. It is believed to be primarily used for commuter traffic. Our train from Paris to Milan arrived at this station. Read more about how to buy a train ticket from Paris to Milan or vice versa in the article.
The station building itself is not very big, but there is free wifi. Leaving the station and looking back towards the railway tracks, you will see the famous Bosco Verticale houses, which are discussed below. And if you walk literally 2-3 minutes towards the center along Corso Coma street, you will find yourself in a square named after the journalist Anna Politkovskaya, about which there is a commemorative plaque.
Milano Rogoredo Train Station (Stazione di Milano Rogoredo)
Located 6 kilometers from the city, on the way to Bergamo. Trains from Moscow and Minsk also arrive here.
You can get to the city center by metro in just 20 minutes (yellow line). The station is open around the clock.
Rogoredo station on the map:
Where to stay
Read the article for tips on choosing accommodation facilities.Here I will briefly describe my personal experience.
Since we needed just a place to spend the night in Milan, we opted for the WOW hotel in the Citta Studi area.
In fact, this is a hostel that offers both places in common rooms and private rooms. It is located in a residential building (entrance from the yard). Udine metro station is 5 minutes walk. I liked the Chitta Studio area itself. Quiet, comfortable, close to the center. In the area there is a park with a river and playgrounds, which is very pleasant to walk. It was convenient for us that the Milano Lambrate railway station is nearby, since then our path lay on the train to Lake Garda. If you walk a little from the station along Via Rombon, on the right there is a large Mercato supermarket with low prices. In front of him on the street is a market with vegetables and fruits.
The hostel itself is quite clean (with the exception of small ants in the room). There are several toilets with showers and washing machines. Breakfast is served in the kitchen in the morning and consists of tea, coffee and pastries, you can also use it during the day and cook yourself. In the kitchen, we met a Russian family from St. Petersburg who were traveling around Italy by car.
Reception staff is friendly and speaks English. They gave me a map of the city. There is wifi.
Public transport in Milan
There are 4 metro lines in Milan, each has its own color, and the cars are also decorated in this color, including the upholstery of the seats. The purple line is fully automated and operates without drivers.
Ground transport is represented by trams and trolleybuses.
Tickets are valid for both metro and ground transport. The cost of one trip lasting up to 90 minutes is 1.5 euros, children under 10 years old are free. A ticket for the whole day costs 4.5 euros, an evening ticket after 20.00 - 3 euros. Tickets can be bought at vending machines or ticket offices. At the entrance to the subway, they are composted at the turnstiles, and at the entrance to the tram or trolleybus - in special composters. Tickets are invalid without composting. Oversized luggage also has to be paid at the adult fare rate.
Link to Milan public transport website 
Sights of Milan
Milan Cathedral or Duomo
This is the hallmark of the city. The white marble Gothic cathedral, which took 6 centuries to build, is located in the historic center of the city (Duomo metro station). There is a museum inside the cathedral. On its roof you can climb and explore the surroundings.
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II
Located on Cathedral Square near the Duomo. The buildings of the shopping arcade are connected by a glass dome, which was built at the end of the 19th century. In addition to trade, this place is used for various concerts and other events.
La Scala Theater
The building of the famous opera does not make much impression. Only after looking closely and passing by several times, we realized that she was in front of us. They say that those lucky ones who get inside can enjoy the magnificent decoration and the best acoustics in the world.
Buy tickets to La Scala Opera
The theater building also houses the La Scala Museum. There is a monument to Leonardo da Vinci in the park in front of the theater.
Sforza Castle
The Sforza Castle or Castello Sforzesca is also located in the historic part of the city. It was built in the 15th century and has a very impressive size. Now there are several expositions inside - collections of paintings from the Renaissance, sculptures, musical instruments, etc.
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci in Milan
Leonardo da Vinci's famous fresco "The Last Supper" is in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazia in Milan. It is rightfully considered one of the greatest works of world art and attracts many visitors. During the summer season, tickets on the official website www.vivaticket.it are often available only a few weeks before the visit, in the low season they can usually be bought 3-7 days in advance. You can buy tickets without a queue.
Skyscrapers Bosco vertical
They were built according to the "Vertical Forest" concept and are designed to replace a forest area of 50 thousand square meters. meters. More than 800 trees, 5,000 shrubs, 10,000 perennial grass plantations are involved in the construction of buildings. The vertical forest is a whole ecosystem designed to solve the problem of lack of oxygen in a large metropolis. The trees are planted in such a way that the forest changes its color throughout the year. Located near the Garibaldi station.
Museums in Milan
The museums in Milan are definitely worth a visit. These are, first of all, the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Pinacoteca Brera, Gallery of Modern Art. But we, unfortunately, could not visit them due to lack of time. There will be a reason to return to this amazing and beautiful city.
Milan is the administrative center of the Lombardy region and is located in northern Italy. In addition, Milan is considered one of the capitals of fashion. For most people, Milan is associated only with shopping. Yes, indeed, Milan is a trendsetter. But at the same time, in Milan there is a huge number of interesting places worth visiting.
Of particular interest is the historical center, where ancient, pompous, medieval Milan is presented. Of course, it will not work to get around all its sights on your own in 1 day. But to fulfill the mandatory program for a tourist who is in Milan for the first time is quite realistic.
In general, Italians are very sensitive to their history and cultural heritage. Therefore, in almost every city there is sure to be something to see, some kind of museum, cathedral or fortress. Milan is no exception, of course.
This is a city where there are many ancient and religious buildings. Here is a slightly different Italy and it is definitely worth coming here. If you only have one day to visit, then you should choose in advance what to see in Milan. It is important to remember that this is a big city, there can be traffic jams, so it is better to choose attractions that are close to each other.
The two main buildings in Piazza del Duomo
Any city begins with a central square, and in Milan it is the Cathedral Square. On this square is the Cathedral of Milan, the gallery of Emmanuel II, as well as the Royal Palace.
This square is the heart of Milan. There are many attractions near it, on the square itself there are various restaurants, shops and other entertainment. Before visiting the square, it is worth taking some bread with you. The fact is that there are a lot of pigeons on the square, which are not averse to eating in exchange for funny photos.
Milan Cathedral
The main building of the square is a pompous Gothic cathedral. This cathedral is a symbol of Milan, the most recognizable landmark. Its construction began in the 14th century and ended in 1813. The capacity of the temple is about 40 thousand people.
The cathedral, built in neo-gothic style, is entirely of white marble and has 135 spiers. Perhaps most of all photographs are taken here. But you should not limit yourself to visiting the church from the outside. The interior of the cathedral will also amaze you with its richness and luxury. In addition to the spiers, which create an image of lightness and weightlessness, it is decorated with many sculptures.
Among these statues you can see biblical scenes, saints, amazing animals, various families who helped in the construction of the cathedral. The temple contains various relics, including one of the nails on which Christ was crucified. After walking around the cathedral, take the elevator upstairs. From the top floor you have a breathtaking view of the square. Before visiting, it is important to remember the dress code, covering your shoulders and legs.
The cathedral is open every day from 8.00 to 19.00, and the entrance to the roof terraces is open from 9.00 to 19.00
Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II
Living room of Milan, as the locals call it. This is one of the oldest shopping galleries in the world, which is located in the very center of the city. It connects Cathedral Square and La Scala Square. Its discovery took place in 1877. The gallery building is made in the form of an equilateral Latin cross and has 4 exits.
The main attraction of this passage is a huge glass roof with a central forty-seven meter dome. Under the dome, the arches show the four continents, with the exception of Australia. Today this is the place where there are shops of famous brands, expensive boutiques. Not everyone can afford shopping here. In addition to shops, the gallery has restaurants, as well as exhibitions and concerts.
Locals also love to walk around the gallery. It used to be a place to meet friends before work. Almost every resident, going to work, went to the gallery to say hello to friends. To some extent, this tradition has survived to this day. The gallery is open around the clock, although there are few people here at night. But the lighting gives the atmosphere to the gallery and there is a special chic to stroll past the closed shops, admiring the amazing architecture of this place.
La Scala, theater on the site of the church
The theater was built at the end of the 18th century on the site of the church of Santa Maria della Scala. The external appearance of the theater is quite modest and it is rather difficult to guess what is hidden inside. This is due to the fact that the theater was built with the money of benefactors, and besides, at that time there was no square in front of the theater, so no one really looked at the facade.
And when you go inside, you understand that this theater has the history and reputation of the most grandiose theater in Europe. The reputation of the theater is created not only by great opera singers, but also by the attendants, who are also carefully selected. Scenery, costumes, props - all this is created in one workshop on the territory of the former factory.
The audience also plays its role here, which is very demanding on the repertoire of the theater and the acting of the actors. Inside, the theater is arranged in a classical way in the shape of a horseshoe. The seats are arranged so that the stage can be seen from any point. The theater has been reconstructed twice, but rather delicately, preserving its appearance.
The most serious changes were made to the stage, improving the technical capabilities of the theatre. Before visiting, it is important to consider the need for evening dresses, as well as buying tickets in advance, because they are sold out very quickly.
Theater address: Via Filodrammatici, 2
Milan square. From Dante Alighieri to Giuseppe Garibaldi
Mercanti (Piazza dei Mercanti)
Not far from Piazza Duomo is the small Piazza Mercanti, a bustling place of trade in the Middle Ages. 6 roads led to it, on each of which there was a trading row of a certain type. Conventionally, the area is divided by the cardinal points. In the northern part it adjoins the town hall, in the south - the palace, which was built in the middle of the 17th century by the architect Carlo Buzzi.
In the west of the square stands the building "House of Panigarola", built in the XV century. Today, this small square is surrounded by palaces, there are shops, restaurants, so that you can diversify admiring the architecture with shopping or lunch. This is a quiet corner of the Middle Ages in the middle of busy, fashionable Milan
Cordusio (Piazza Cordusio)
Piazza Mercanti adjoins Piazza Cordusio, which is called the "square of the banks". Here are the headquarters of large banks, which are located right in the palaces. This place is not so touristy, but, nevertheless, the square is worth a visit.
Directly from Piazza Cordusio begins another famous street in Milan - Via Dante, named after Dante Alighieri.
This street has become completely pedestrian only since 1996, and before that, tram tracks and public transport passed along it. This street is notable for the abundance of shops. This is a fairly well-known tourist place for shopping.
It is also surprising that all these shops are located in buildings built in the 18th-19th centuries. The authorities of Milan have banned modern shops and bars from making any changes to the appearance of buildings, so walking along the street you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city several centuries ago. In addition, there is a well-known theater "Picollo" on the street, in which they staged the premiere of Gorky's play "At the Bottom".
The street ends with a monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi. This man was engrossed in the idea of the reunification of a fragmented Italy. His authority and fame surpassed that of the king. In honor of Giuseppe, many streets are named, monuments are erected, the memory of his exploits is honored and passed on to a new generation.
Sforza Castle, model for the Moscow Kremlin
Just behind the Garibaldi monument you can see the Sforza Castle. Here in the XIV century the Visconti family lived, by whom it was actually rebuilt. The castle was built as a defensive structure. But gradually the Visconti began to lose their power in the city, and the castle, the locals dismantled almost into stones. Almost a century later, the castle was rebuilt by Francesco Sforza. Famous Italian architects, including Leonardo da Vinci, took part in the reconstruction work.
It was on the model of the walls of the castle that the walls of the Kremlin were erected (towers and battlements on the walls). The hand of Leonardo created many frescoes in the halls and chambers. Unfortunately, few frescoes have survived, but in addition to them, you can see the creations of Michelangelo, Bellini, Mantegna in the castle.
The fate of the castle was always changeable and from a place for social events by the end of the 15th century, it turned into a military foothold. The French settled here, and at the same time one of the towers was destroyed. After the French, the Spanish government came to power, which adhered to the same behavior regarding the castle.
Then in the history of the fortress there was a string of captures and liberations, during which its role did not change at all. And only by 1861, when the unification of Italian lands began, they began to reconstruct the castle. This work continued until 1905, and then part of the restoration work was carried out after the Second World War.
Now there are several museums on its territory. These are, firstly, museums associated with various periods of the history of this castle, as well as a museum of ancient Egypt and musical instruments.
The castle is open to tourists daily. In summer from 7.00 to 19.30, and in winter from 7.00 to 18.00. Museums in the castle are open from 9.00 to 17.30 daily, Monday is a day off. Entrance to the castle itself is free, and museums need to purchase additional tickets worth 3 euros.
Sempione Park and Napoleon's footprint in Milan
Sempione Park adjoins the castle. This place is perfect for a short break after exploring the city. There are shady alleys, picnic lawns, a pond in which turtles live. Also on the territory of the park is the Palace of Arts, where you can visit exhibitions, fashion shows, concerts.
In addition, the famous Peace Arch is located on the territory of the park. It was installed by order of Napoleon in honor of his victory in Milan. Napoleon planned to enter the city through this arch, but did not have time to do this - the French were expelled from the country. War scenes are depicted on the arch, and the chariot of the sculptor Abbondio Sangiorgio faces the city center, although at first after construction it was turned towards France.
Entrance to the park is free and open from 6.30 to 21.00
Park address: Piazza Sempione
Santa Maria delle Grazie, repository of frescoes by the great Leonardo
The church is considered one of the most beautiful churches of the Renaissance. It was built in the 15th century. Initially, it was a project of the Dominican church, but in the final stages Ludovico Sforza intervened in the process and changes were made to the church to make it a personal tomb.
A courtyard adjoins the church. Usually, all Renaissance courtyards were made gloomy, but this one, on the contrary, is spacious and bright with a small pond. The church has a little secret. If you go to the old sacristy through the gallery, you can see a small entrance. It connects the church and the Sforza castle.
But the main highlight of the church is different. In the refectory of the temple, there is a fresco "The Last Vespers". Although in the full sense of the word, the work of Leonardo cannot be considered a fresco. It was painted on a layer consisting of a mixture of plaster with mastic and resin for further modifications. Literally a few years later, its painting began to collapse, so it was periodically restored and restored.
An amazing story is connected with the Last Supper. During the Second World War, the building was almost completely destroyed, but the wall with the fresco survived. It has been restored several times, the last restoration lasted about 20 years, but thanks to it, tourists can look at the fresco in its almost original form.
It should immediately be taken into account that you can get into the church freely, but getting into the refectory is much more difficult. To visit the refectory, you need to buy tickets in advance, preferably several months in advance, because groups of no more than 25 people are allowed here. The tour lasts about 15-20 minutes. The Italians value the fresco very much, so they will not miss any spontaneous excursions. Everything here is very strict and on time.
The church is open daily from 7 am to 12 noon and from 3 pm to 7 pm.
Address: Via G. A. Sassi, 3
Basilica of Saint Ambrose, free museum of Milan
This church was built in the X-XI centuries. Previously, it was called the Basilica of the Martyrs, since the burial places of early Christian martyrs were found here. Later, it received its name due to the fact that the relics of St. Ambrose of Milan are located here.
The basilica was badly damaged during the war, but now it has been restored to its original form. A visit to this church is comparable to visiting a museum, because there are very ancient and valuable relics here, such as a golden altar, a chapel and the relics of saints.
Address: Piazza Sant'Ambrogio, 15
Milan is a city that can be compared to an iceberg. There are many places and buildings that keep history or legends. Sometimes even the locals don't know everything. Therefore, before visiting Milan, you should carefully consider your route. And if possible, then stop here for a longer period in order to feel the spirit of the city, walk around it without haste, observing the surrounding life.
Milan: attractions on your own in 1 day
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