Category: Things to do in Milan

by ms3

Out-of-town trips near Milan: 3 ideas for September

Summer is coming to an end, but the desire to escape from the city and live a life like you’re always on holiday never goes away. A trip out of town is just what you need to get away for a few days and treat yourself to some more relaxation with your loved ones, friends or sweetheart.

According to your tastes and even if only for a day, there are various suggestive locations around Milan where you can disconnect from the metropolitan chaos, organising trips, walks in the mountains, picnics in the meadows or bike rides and enjoying places to bathe, villages and forests to wander through.

For you we have selected 3 proposals less than an hour from the city centre: ideal destinations, conveniently reachable from all Milan Retreats flats.

With children at the Park of Monza

One of the largest enclosed parks in Europe and the first green oasis east of Milan, Monza Park is a perfect place to organise a day trip with the whole family.

Created in 1805 at the behest of Napoleon Bonaparte, the park is located just outside Milan. A half-hour drive and… you’re done! Once inside the park, you’ll have a wealth of choices: cycling, skating, running or a simple walk in the greenery, countless activities to do and itineraries that can be followed to discover the works of art scattered on the lawns.

Immersed in nature, among farmsteads and bends of the Lambro, you can also take a dip into history by admiring, among other monuments, the Villa Reale with its exhibitions and gardens. And at the end, why not take the opportunity to visit the historic centre of Monza or, whether or not you are a F1 enthusiast, the famous Monza Eni Circuit?

On two wheels in Morimondo

One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Morimondo is only 30 km from the centre of Milan and is easily reached by bicycle thanks to the cycle path that runs along the Naviglio di Bereguardo canal from Abbiategrasso. Immersed in the unspoilt nature of the Ticino Valley Regional Park, Morimondo is the ideal place for cycling enthusiasts, but also for lovers of architecture, art and history. Famous for its Abbey, a timeless monastic complex built in the Middle Ages by some French Cistercian monks from Morimond, the village is also worth a visit for the unexpected surprises it offers to visitors. In the Milan surroundings, amidst ancient fountains, water-meadows, rice fields, poplar and alder groves, this place will enchant with its uncommon glimpses.

A romantic experience at Trezzo sull’Adda

A village that offers a journey back in time to stroll and fill your eyes with wonder in good company. Trezzo sull’Adda – east of the metropolitan city of Milan – is another ideal destination for organising a truly memorable out-of-town trip near Milan.

Taking the Naviglio Martesana cycle path you can reach also this destination by bike from Milan. There are numerous attractions to visit such as the Castello Visconteo, directly overlooking the river; the Alessandro Taccani hydroelectric power station or the village of Crespi d’Adda, a cotton mill built by the Lombard industrialist family Crespi so unique that it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

by ms3

3 itineraries to discover Milan on foot

Walking in Milan is always a good idea! A relaxing walk is ideal to explore the city and get to know the most picturesque corners of the city centre, while immersed in the typical Milanese mix of history, green areas and futuristic atmospheres. Beyond the clubs, shops and aperitif bars, here are three routes to take on foot to spend a memorable holiday in the Lombard Capital and discover all the secrets of Milan.

From Castello Sforzesco to Sempione Park

From the Milan Retreats flats you almost immediately find yourself in one of Milan’s largest green areas: Parco Sempione. To reach it, just take a few regenerating steps and head towards the imposing Castello Sforzesco, which once belonged to the Sforza family. Today, the Castle houses the Musei Civici, preserving works of Michelangelo and Leonardo Da Vinci and the splendid Tapestries of the Months by Bramantino.
Parco Sempione is just beyond the walls of the fortress, which are a real leap back in time. Here, in addition to a healthy walk, you can spend beautiful days having picnics, sipping tasteful aperitifs or playing sports. Crossing the park, you can reach the entrance where one of Milan’s most important symbols – the majestic Arco della Pace – stands.

The Fashion District and Porta Venezia

With the Gothic spires of the Cathedral and the dome topped by the statue of the Madunina, the famous Piazza del Duomo offers one of the city’s most famous and evocative views. Trait d’union between Brera, Via Torino and Piazza San Babila, Piazza Duomo is also the ideal starting point for a walking itinerary to discover the fashion soul of Milan.
Heading east, it only takes a few steps to reach the so-called Fashion Quadrilateral and the famous Via Montenapoleone. From here, glittering shop windows, polished buildings, luxury shops and boutiques of Italian and international designers will accompany you as far as Porta Venezia. In this area, the organic and sinuous decorations of Art Nouveau buildings such as Casa Donzelli with its floral motifs, Casa Galimberti with its marvellous ceramics, the monumental Palazzo Castiglioni with its wrought-iron work and Villa Invernizzi on Via dei Cappuccini with its pink flamingos are a must-see.

The Five Streets

Through art, culture and design, walking in Milan’s oldest and most radical-chic district will surprise you. It is a district nicknamed “delle 5 Vie” because five streets intersect: Via Santa Marta, Via Santa Maria Podone, Via Santa Maria Fulcorina, Via Bocchetto and Via del Bollo. In Roman and medieval times, these places were crossroads of trade and, today, they still retain this dynamic and mercantile character. A small district on a human scale where you can stroll in peace and quiet, far from the city traffic, and come across extraordinary galleries such as the Ambrosiana gallery and its beautiful library, craftsmen’s workshops, antique shops, ateliers and artists’ studios, as well as shops dedicated to the most contemporary clothing and design.
Taking a stroll in this area, you will go back in time, discovering the old-world charm of a Milan.

by ms3

5 things to do in Milan this summer

Who said that summer in the city is boring, too hot and suffocating? Milan offers, for example, several interesting alternatives to spend pleasant days away from the sultriness to live a holiday of relaxation, taste and culture.
It is not just Sardinia or the Dolomites, not just the sea or the mountains: thanks to a wide variety of outdoor activities and initiatives and rich programmes of art and music, such as the countless free concerts in Piazza Duomo or the Estate Sforzesca organised around the Castle, Milan will perfectly welcome you in the summer season.
Below you’ll find a selection of 5 things to do in Milan during the summer, right on the doorstep of Milan Retreats flats.

To cool down in the summer heat, there's no better way than a nice swim in the pool perhaps taking a dip in the waters of the Bagni Misteriosi. It’s a public swimming pool built in the 1930s, open day and evening. Here, in the city's green heart and surrounded by the water of the lake and artificial pools, it will be much easier to endure the summer temperatures.

To cool down in the summer heat, there's no better way than a nice swim in the pool perhaps taking a dip in the waters of the Bagni Misteriosi. It’s a public swimming pool built in the 1930s, open day and evening. Here, in the city's green heart and surrounded by the water of the lake and artificial pools, it will be much easier to endure the summer temperatures.

Visiting one of the scheduled exhibitions at Palazzo Reale or admiring the masterpieces housed in the Pinacoteca di Brera could be an interesting alternative way to spend a summer's day.
During the warmer months, choosing museums is always a good idea! Not only for the regenerating power of the air conditioning in the halls, but also to better appreciate the wonders on display: the number of visitors will be lower than during the winter period and tourists will be on holiday in seaside resorts.
Along with the museums, the city's monuments also offer many opportunities to enjoy the summer in the city. For example, the Terraces of the Duomo allow you to see Milan from above. At sunset, with a light breeze, the beautiful panorama of the city will make you forget the heat and sultriness by immersing you in wonder.

Close to Linate airport, a super-classic of the Milanese summer is the Idroscalo. Known as the 'sea of Milan', spending a day here is ideal for those who enjoy water sports such as swimming, rowing, surfing or wakeboarding. This location is also perfect for letting the kids have fun on the floats while the grown-ups of the family can indulge in some relaxation while sipping a cocktail or eating some specialities at the various eateries.

Milan's small and large green areas are a great way to spend some leisure time during the summer.
Strolling through Parco Sempione or in the City Life green zone is a good way to get some air and get fit.
The Guastalla Gardens are also a good alternative for regeneration, perhaps practising yoga, meditating or simply enjoying some leisure time reading a book or admiring the small treasures in the gardens such as the fish swimming in the 17th-century pool, the shrine with terracotta statues, the neoclassical temple or several ancient trees.

Even though the lights of the city somewhat hide them, it is true that Milan has a lot of extraordinary places to admire the stars in all their beauty and not only on the night of San Lorenzo. The Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli offers adults and children alike educational initiatives to discover the stars, guided observations of the sky and themed conferences to enjoy the majestic spectacle of the starry sky.

by ms3

What to do and where to stay in Milan with children

Milan is non only business and busy life, it’s also a family and kid-friendly city. A combination of fun and modernity, the Lombard capital boasts a great cultural and tourist offer on a child-friendly scale, with ample space and activities designed especially for the little ones.

Choosing between the many things to do and see or figuring out where to stay in a large and sometimes chaotic city can be complicated, but don’t worry! If you want to travel with kids and plan a city break with the whole family, you will find plenty of useful tips in this article.

Where to stay if you are travelling with kids

If you are planning a trip and are undecided about where to stay in Milan, you can choose one of the Milan Retreats flats and have a wide choice of areas where you can find cosy and comfortable accommodation for you and your children. Each flat will fascinate you with its creative design, spacious rooms planned to maximise space and functionality.

To stay near elegant streets, full of boutiques and bistros, you can book in the Brera district or choose a more picturesque such as the Navigli, an ideal destination for families on a trip. You’ll also be a stone’s throw from Milan’s main attractions if you opt for one of the comfortable flats available in the Duomo area or around Porta Venezia, a quieter area, perfect for travellers with children.


What to see and do on holiday with the whole family

Getting around the city with the family and discovering the must-see places to show children in the different areas and neighbourhoods of Milan will be very easy thanks to the proximity of Milan Retreats flats to the metro lines or ATM bus stops. In the centre and other important areas of the metropolis, it will be easy to find children’s menus and restaurants or bars with family-friendly services and options to suit all budgets. Among the countless things to do, the Castello Sforzesco – open all year round – offers family activities every afternoon, on weekends and during the holidays. Even the Duomo – symbol of Milan –dedicates tailor-made guided tours and specific activities to children between 5 and 11 years of age.
To stimulate the curiosity of the little ones, among the things not to be missed is the Museum of Science and Technology dedicated to the great artist and inventor Leonardo Da Vinci (https://www.museoscienza.org/it). Other must-see places: the Museum of Italian Design, which organises activities for families with children aged 4 to 10 (https://triennale.org/partecipa/famiglie-e-bambini) and the Museum of Illusions, with more than 70 attractions and a phantasmagorical playroom to play and learn through science, psychology and physics.

Another nice place to visit with the whole family is the Muba, Museo dei bambini: a true play and educational centre offering activities and routes dedicated to the youngest children between the ages of 2 and 11. Nearby, the Teatro Colla – a historic puppet and marionette theatre – worth a visit.

At the Indro Montanelli Park, you can take a walk in the green and visit the historic Planetarium or the Museum of Natural Sciences, one of the most popular places for children. In addition, you can also enjoy outdoor activities in Parco Sempione or along the alleys of the dock in the Navigli district. Don’t miss a trip to Piazza Gae Aulenti to stop and admire the large sculpture Voices of the City by Alberto Garutti and the huge Unicredit tower with the Solar Tree sculpture at its feet. Stroll towards the Bosco Verticale and let your little ones’ eyes wander in wonder at the nearby Library of Trees or look at the Palazzo della Regione, the Torre Solaria – the tallest residential complex in Italy – and the Torre Diamante. And if you also want to go shopping, head for the Milan’s other residential centres such as the City Life district where the Three Towers stand out and shops of all kinds and 170,000 square metres of public park will please the whole family!

by ms3

Where to stay for a weekend in Milan. Here are our tips!

Choose the area you prefer
Book one of our flats and enjoy to stay in the city centre. You’ll be just a stone’s throw from major attractions such as the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, the fashion district with its Via Montenapoleone, Brera and the Castello Sforzesco. From here, it will be easy to move to trendy places such as the Tre Torri. Our flats in the Navigli district are ideal if you are looking for accommodation in a livelier area; Porta Venezia or Repubblica are quieter areas, suitable for travellers with children and convenient for reaching Isola and admiring the Bosco verticale. For a trip out of town, you can travel in any direction from the flats in the Central Station area.

Flat vs. hotel
Choosing a flat is more convenient and provides greater flexibility in organising your stay. Compared to the classic hotel, Milan Retreats flats are real design jewels where you can experience the emotion of feeling at home, enjoying more privacy and pampered by every comfort: kitchenette, wi-fi, large spaces and availability of several rooms.

Why stay in one of our flats?
Thanks to a wide range of services and the comfort of the flats, your stay will be relaxing and carefree. All this in close proximity to metro, bus stops, various railway stations and in areas well connected to Milan’s main cultural and financial centres and local airports.

A relaxing weekend in Milan
In addition to the design rooms, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of personalised services in each flat: personal chef, grocery-delivery service, yoga lessons, personal shopper and 24-hour babysitting. With us, you feel at home!

Discover our special offers and book now

by ms3

Visit Milan in 3 days: the most beautiful things to see

Milan is a city rich in art and culture that nourishes both mind and body. It offers many attractions and opportunities. Below, we recommend what not to miss during your weekend in Milan.

Milan Cathedral
If you’re in Milan for a few days, a visit to the Cathedral is a must. It’s a work of architecture rich in Gothic details, including the famous golden Madonnina, a reference point for locals and tourists alike. A stone’s throw away is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II – the so-called “Milan’s living room” – which surprises with its glass ceiling and black and gold shop signs.

La Scala Theatre Museum
Born from the collection of the antiquarian Jules Sambon, it preserves the memory and footsteps of those who have trod the stage of this opera house. A place of rare beauty, commissioned by Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.

Brera Art Gallery
Visiting the Pinacoteca is one of the most exciting things to do in Milan. It houses the most important collection of Italian paintings from the 13th to the 20th century, the result of the Brera Academy’s cultural project.

Sempione Park
It is almost an open-air museum and designed in the style of English gardens. A huge green area built at the end of the 19th century, right next to the Castello Sforzesco.

Museo del Novecento
A selection of over 400 works from the 20th century exhibited inside the Palazzo dell’Arengario and the Palazzo Reale. A fascinating experience that should definitely be included in an itinerary of a few days in Milan.

by ms3

In Milan for business? Book the comfort of Milan Retreats apartments.

There are endless reasons for deciding to visit Milan, but anyone who arrives in the city knows that this destination is a mandatory place for all those who travel for business. With only a few days to spare, the need to move quickly between the various business and financial districts and to untangle a busy schedule, being in Milan for work could be a very tiring experience without comfortable accommodation, perhaps strategically located in the city. So, if you’re on a business trip and need a place to stay in the city, you can choose one of the Milan Retreats apartments combining duty with relaxation.

Better than a business hotel, with Milan Retreats you feel at home.

Well-equipped apartments with every comfort, from air conditioning to free Wi-Fi, Milan Retreats accomodations will make your stay more relaxing. A wide range of services  – organised to suit all your needs – will guarantee you the unrepeatable opportunity to turn your trip into a very pleasant experience, during which you can also indulge in some relaxation and a few moments all to yourself.

Each apartment will offer you a quality welcome in uniquely styled and trendy environments, with design rooms equipped with all comforts.
Just a stone’s throw from subway and bus stops, close to several train stations and in well-connected areas to the main cultural and financial centres of Milan and to all the local airports such as Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo Orio al Serio, you can choose different types of accommodations in exceptional locations such as in the Duomo area, in Porta Venezia, in Repubblica district, near Navigli or the Central Station.

Not only business travel, but also leisure travel

Choosing Milan Retreats apartments is an ideal solution for pampering yourself a bit, taking advantage of tailor-made services and indulging in moments of pause for an aperitif, a coffee or a walk near Piazza Duomo or in the most famous business areas of Milan.
After your meetings are over, if you are too tired to stick around and immersed in the buzz of the city’s restaurants or nightclubs, you can opt for the Personal Chef service and savour an authentic dish of Italian cuisine while remaining comfortable in your accommodation.

To relax and unload the day’s thoughts, you might choose to unleash your culinary passion by getting yourself in the kitchen. If you don’t want to go through the hustle and bustle of supermarket queues, you can book the Grocery service and receive your groceries directly to your apartment.

If – away from your gym – you still want to release the tensions of the busy workday and treat yourself to a healthy and rejuvenating experience for body and mind, there will be a qualified yoga teacher at your disposal. And if, on the other hand, you are among those who can’t give up shopping, you can count on a personal shopper to receive your purchases in the apartment or to be accompanied among the city’s most fashionable stores and get suggestions on the best look for you.

In conclusion – and we know it will make you very happy – if you don’t want to choose between family and work, you can also take your children with you in Milan, entrusting them to our 24-hour babysitting service and hug them back at the end of the day when you’re finally free from all the meetings and duties.

With us, your business trip will be stress-free!

Take advantage of our offers for your business stay in Milan and book directly by clicking here

by ms3

Visit Milan: the most beautiful events during the year

Have you booked your holiday in Milan Retreats and you can’t wait to discover Milan and its charm? The capital of Lombardy is a city of large numbers, a world-class economic, cultural and artistic hub that offers truly unique, sometimes unusual, but always memorable experiences.

Rich as it is in festivals, fairs, museums, and events that enliven the city’s streets and spaces throughout the year, Milan offers moments to be enjoyed that are ideal for all ages, in the company of friends, family, or alone, between entertainment and culture. Located in various parts of the city, our flats are strategically positioned for easy access to the locations of your desired events.

Pampered by the comfort of our rooms and the convenience of our services, you can make the most of Milan’s vitality by following some of the tips we write in this article to plan the things to do and see in the city month by month.

January

The emblem of Milan’s cultural life is undoubtedly Milan Fashion Week. During this week, through Piazza Affari, Palazzo Citterio, Brera, and Piazza Duomo, the entire city dedicates its attention to the celebration of fashion, with iconic events organised by the world’s most prestigious fashion houses such as Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi and Armani. Running alongside them there are many emerging artists who find in this event a relevant showcase to try to emerge in this fascinating world. It is during these days that the annual collections are presented on the catwalks and during flamboyant parties. It is a must event for the eyes and spirit of fashion enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike.

February

For fans of this goliardic festivity, Ambrosiano Carnival in Milan is a perfect opportunity to remain children and throw confetti for a few extra days. Compared to other carnival traditions, the diversity of the Ambrosian rite means that the beginning of Lent does not fall on Ash Wednesday but on the following Sunday, and so the celebrations extend to Saturday, which replaces the Roman Mardi Gras. Carriages, parades and jokes, spending the weekend in the city centre at this time will be a different but always exciting experience for young and old.

March

It is the month in which spring begins, but also the time for one of the sweetest and most representative family celebrations: Father’s Day. What to do in Milan to best celebrate this day with your children? Going to the MUBA could be an excellent idea. It is located inside the Rotonda – in via Besana – and it offers exhibitions and activities dedicated to children and their families, with the aim of learning through play and direct experience. It’s a magical adventure not to be missed.

April

Art and design enrich April events with two unmissable fairs: Salone del Mobile and miart. Salone del Mobile – held at the Foro Buonaparte – is an essential annual appointment for design lovers, a fulcrum for the promotion of Italian excellence in this sector. A way of discovering innovations exported worldwide and, why not, jotting down some original ideas that can be realised at home. miart is the international modern and contemporary art fair presenting masterpieces from the 20th century to the present day. Works created during the 20th century by the greatest modern artists can be admired at this fair and, according to the annual theme, a selection committee screens proposals from galleries promoting new contemporary talent.

May

In this month, a leisurely stroll through the city is enough to live an evocative and captivating experience. Piano City is the event that takes music out of its conventional places such as theatres, auditoriums and stadiums and bring it into squares, homes and parks. Disruptive music that does not wait to be heard, but imposes its presence everywhere and at any moment.

June

Milan is tinged with rainbow hues for Pride month. June is dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community and is full of events that involve the entire city, starting from Porta Venezia. Walks, theatre performances, talks, all in the name of the freedom to be oneself.  Following the line of inclusiveness, not to be missed is also FringeMi. It’s a performing arts festival, born with the intention of activating changing neighbourhoods through theatre. A new way of experiencing theatre under the sign of tolerance, fun and light-heartedness, not forgetting reflection and intensity.

July

In one of the hottest months of the year, Milan offers a chance to cool down in the night shade of the moon, with evening events organised as part of the event “Milano è viva al Castello Sforzesco”. Within its centuries-old walls, Castello Sforzesco hosts concerts, including jazz, pop, classical and electronic music and specially organised shows for children. This is an opportunity for the whole family to spend a pleasant evening with friends in Milan’s historic castle, which can easily be reached on foot from one of our flats located a stone’s throw from Cadorna Station.

August

The sultriness of August urges the search for some refreshment, to be found perhaps lying under the wide branches of a tree, immersed in the nature of a green park. Milan is full of ideal places to relax and enjoy history and culture at the same time. An ideal walk could start from any one of our flats in the direction of Parco Sempione, located next to the Palazzo Sforzesco, and continue towards the Brera Botanical Garden, which preserves around 300 different species. Here you can stop and then you can reach the Brera Astronomical Museum, a few steps away, where you can also visit the Schiaparelli Dome. Among nature, history and science, this Milanese walk ends at the Indro Montanelli Public Gardens, in the area of Porta Venezia: it’s optimal for stretching one’s legs under the cool shade of fir, maple or beech trees.

September

This is the month when Milan merges with Turin for MITO, the International Festival dedicated to classical music. A unique stage that unites the two cities, based on a specific theme designed each year to fascinate and amaze the public, with the participation of artists of international calibre.  If you want to move between the two cities to enjoy more events, you could stay in one of our flats near the Central Station. It’s ideal for a quick trip to your new destination. Not to be missed is also Video Sound Art, a festival and production centre for contemporary art. The intent of the festival is not only the exhibition, but also boost creativity connecting works, artists and the territory. In addition to these cultural events, there is the autumn edition of Milano Fashion Week during which great international designers present the collections for the following spring and summer, between catwalks and cocktail parties. On this occasion, in continuous growth, fashion gives the world its latest avant-gardes.

October

An unmissable event of recent creation is the Milano Wine Week. Wine enthusiasts cannot fail to be beckoned by this event to discover new sensations through masterclasses and in-depth forums. The event is both for those who work in the sector – and want to keep up with technical innovations – and for enthusiasts curious to know what lies behind a good bottle of wine. Tastings and wine shops complete the perfect picture of this exciting sensory experience.

November

In November, jazz music fills Milan with JAZZMI, a music festival that brings together more than a hundred locations around the city. A way to listen to good music and learn about the history, characters and evolution of a musical genre that has made its way by fusing existing genres such as blues, gospel, folk and classical music. To easily reach all the venues of this festival, you have our transfer service at your disposal.

December

The year draws to a close and Milan is tinged with magic. For the entire month of December, Piazza Duomo hosts Christmas markets where you can buy handmade gifts – for yourself or your loved ones – and taste typical food from various regions. To get close to ancient and present traditions, if you wish, you can organise a walk on the day of the lighting of the Christmas tree in Piazza Duomo, the day of the patron saint’s celebrations of Sant’Ambrogio, too. It’s a way to add a touch of wonder to your life, in the moment that officially opens the Christmas season. By choosing the right flat among the several available in the area, you could fall asleep lulled by the lights of the bright Christmas tree in the distance. A major cultural event is the premiere of La Scala, which marks the opening of the prestigious theatre’s opera season, attended by prominent personalities.

In a city full of opportunities and events, which satisfies every artistic, cultural, historical, musical and gastronomic passion, choosing the right location where to comfortably spend the night is certainly an added value, especially if you want to have a hassle-free and carefree experience. Our flats – located throughout the city – are certainly the ideal solution to enjoy your stay in Milan.

by ms3

Monuments and Museums

Milan has many museums, monuments, hidden courtyards and architectural works that deserve to be visited.

Here below is a short list of things to do and see if you visit Milan:

  • CASTELLO SFORZESCO a fortress with more than 500 years of history
  • PINACOTECA DI BRERA one of the most important art galleries of the world
  • CENACOLO VINCIANO where the famous masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci is preserved
  • PINACOTECA AMBROSIANA an incredible journey between art and history
  • MUSEO POLDO PEZZOLI one of the world’s most famous private house museums
  • PALAZZO REALE a great palace dedicated to art and its most famous occupants
  • MUSEO DEL NOVECENTO an exceptional centre of art from the 20th century
  • MUSEO DI STORIA NATURALE a small treasure dedicated to science
    and nature
  • MUSEO TEATRALE ALLA SCALA an incredible journey through the history of music
  • MUSEO DEL RISORGIMENTO history and people that made the country
  • CASA MANZONI a journey through the life and works of the great writer
  • MEMORIALE DELLA SHOAH a symbolic place not to forget
  • ATLAS – FONDAZIONE PRADA 7 floors of artworks and installations of modern art

Duomo of Milan

Even though you might not be interested in religion, visiting the Duomo is a must see if you are in Milan. The Duomo of Milan is majestic, beautiful, rich in history, with plenty of interesting features and curious tales, and filled with worshippers at any time of the day. It is considered the third catholic church in the world after St Peter’s in the Vatican and the Seville cathedral.

Castello Sforzesco

Castello Sforzesco is considered one of the main attractions of Milan, although in the past the citizen of Milan tried to destroy it a few times. The hated castle had been, for centuries, the symbol of tyranny and foreign oppression. With the unification of Italy, the castle was turned into an art and historical centre, and in time it became a symbol of the city.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

One of the first stops in Milan has to be the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, considered as one of the most elegant meeting points near the Duomo. The Galleria is also one of the main symbols of the“Milano’s style” and it has witnessed the changes to the city over the last two centuries. Did you know that all the shops’ signs in the Galleria need to be of the same colour (written in gold on a black background)? Since the 1900s, showing off your fur coat in the Galleria while sipping a coffee at Biffi was a must.  Also, following an old tradition, spinning 3 times on the testicles of the bull portrayed on the mosaic floor, will bring you luck.

Cenacolo Vinciano

The last supper was painted by Leonardo in the refectory of the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie between 1494 and 1497, work commissioned by Ludovico il Moro. The artist decided to approach his creation by using innovative techniques since the paint itself was not on canvas but right on the wall. Sadly due to unfortunate circumstances his technique did not work and the paint started to deteriorate. On the following centuries there have been several attempts in order to save his masterpiece. In 1999, thanks to the removal of the old repaintings, it was possible to bring back to light what remained of the original drafts; all this, after over 20 years of attempts of restorations.
In order to maintain Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece, the access to the Cenacolo Vinciano is limited to small groups of maximum 25 persons, only certain days of the week.