Visiting the most interesting places in Milan in one trip is insufficient to fully experience this amazing city. This is primarily because the city has many “secret” spots hidden from the uninitiated visitor. Moreover, even experts continue to be surprised by new structures in Milan. Here, the past and present of the nation paradoxically merge, with castles and skyscrapers coexisting.
This is evident in ecological projects that combine high-rise buildings and green “vertical” forests or in the contours of high-rises resembling medieval towers. A few tips will help those planning a trip to Milan discover hidden corners and unusual traditions that are off the beaten path. Italy is diverse, ancient and new, shocking and exciting. It remarkably provokes a desire to return to its cozy and full-of-surprises streets again and again.
Milan Cathedral
The Cathedral of Milan, or Duomo, can be considered a classic example of Gothic art. It took over four centuries to build this masterpiece in the center, from the late 14th to the early 19th century. Despite such a long timeframe, the original design was not altered, making the cathedral harmonious and impressive not only in classical grandeur but also in interior decoration.
Externally, the cathedral expressively conveys the essence of Gothic architecture: 135 marble spires reaching into the blue Italian sky form the characteristic profile of the building, which has become the city’s hallmark. The tallest spire (106 m) is crowned by a statue of the city’s patroness, Madonna Assunta (4 m), with outstretched arms and a prayer to the gods for the city’s salvation.
By law, building heights above the statue are prohibited. However, the Italians are a creative people and have found ways to realize their grand ideas while adhering to the law. For example, a copy of the statue was installed on one of the skyscrapers, formally complying with the law, though it disrupts the urban design silhouette.
Returning to the topic of the cathedral, it is worth mentioning that, in addition to the Madonna, one can see curious bas-reliefs on the building, such as Mussolini sculpted alongside King Vittorio Emanuele II on one of the towers.
The interior of the cathedral, capable of accommodating up to 40,000 worshippers, is impressive. Visitors can simultaneously marvel at the white stone basilica’s grandeur, fundamental columns, realistic sculptures, and a unique lift designed by Leonardo da Vinci – every element is worthy of admiration.
Museo del Novecento
This is a true treasure trove of 20th and 21st-century art. The Novecento Museum, opened in 2010 in Palazzo dell’Arengario, houses around 400 masterpieces displayed in chronological order. Visitors move from the first to the highest floor, where panoramic windows offer stunning views of the square and the Milan Cathedral. It is fascinating that each city attraction contains specific details, styles, or modes of presentation unique in the city and worldwide.
The Museo del Novecento showcases and systematizes the works of renowned Italian artists of the 20th century. It houses originals by Matisse, Modigliani, Kandinsky, and Picasso. Even mentioning such high-caliber artists compels one to visit out of curiosity. A special section is dedicated to Futurists like Depero, Savinio Boccioni, and abstractionists like Morandi, Melotti, and de Chirico.
Returning visitors will find interest in the museum’s periodic temporary exhibitions on specific themes, changing 2-4 times a year. These exhibitions are highly valued by art connoisseurs and will captivate all other visitors to this hub of global talents.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Milan is a shopping paradise, and one of the most visited places is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It connects two historic squares: the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) and the legendary La Scala opera house. This place is famous not only for its branded boutiques but also for its refined architectural ensemble.
The shopping arcade is adorned with glass ceilings, featuring a large central dome that allows natural sunlight to play on the frescoes and mosaics, bringing the European symbols depicted in the interior to life. The floors are worth admiring too, as intricate Italian mosaics carry specific meanings, sometimes obvious and sometimes hidden, containing legends in their symbolism.
For example, the abbreviation F.E.R.T. on the coat of arms of the Savoy dynasty translates to “strike, enter, break everything” (F.E.R.T: Frappez, Entrez, Rompez Tout). Or the fresco depicting a bull, which attracts visitors with its humorous legend. Tradition holds that spinning on one’s heel on the bull’s private parts will make a wish come true. Consequently, the bull’s groin area is worn smooth from countless tourists’ desires.
Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace)
This neoclassical architectural monument officially marks the end of the Napoleonic wars. Paradoxically, the project was initially conceived (1807) as a tribute to Napoleon’s victory. However, the prolonged construction led to a shift in its significance by the time it was completed in 1838. As a result, the Arch of Peace symbolizes the end of the Napoleonic wars.
The arch’s columns are crowned with equestrian statues of the goddess of victory, enhancing its grandeur. Familiarity with history allows one to “read” the symbolism cascading through each register of the structure. The pediment features allegorical representations of river gods, symbolizing Lombardy’s principal rivers. Panoramic panels depict significant historical events, such as Napoleon’s fall and scenes from Austrian rule.
Leonardo da Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
Opened in a building of a late-medieval monastery, the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum today houses the largest collection of the Italian genius’s technical inventions.
The museum is unique in that it not only showcases da Vinci’s inventions but also allows visitors to interact with them through experiments and observations. It’s fascinating to use technology invented by da Vinci himself.
The museum holds over 15,000 exhibits and offers access to valuable information compiled in over 40,000 books and 50,000 photo and video materials. This visit will be interesting for guests of all ages.
There is even a special section “Science for Children,” designed to cater to children’s perceptions of the world. Besides this, all materials are conveniently categorized by areas: transport, engineering, materials, art, energy.
The museum, covering 50,000 square meters, includes musical instruments, jewelry, and clocks. An entire floor is dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, with over 7,000 drawings and working mechanisms created posthumously based on his engineering designs. The breadth of da Vinci’s interests, which brought global fame to the country, is hard to fathom.
Fontana del Boccale (Wedding Cake Fountain)
The city amazes with its ability to grant wishes. One such opportunity is to throw a coin into the “Wedding Cake” fountain located near the Sforza Castle. There is no mistaking this fountain, as it unmistakably resembles a wedding cake. The concentration of lovers around it leaves no doubt about the fulfillment of romantic desires.
According to those who visited the “Wedding Cake” fountain during their travels, their lives changed dramatically, not only in meeting their significant other. Some received unexpected financial gains, while others became favored by fate.
The fountain’s own history attests to its miraculous powers. It has been restored multiple times, starting from the mid-20th century and finally in 2000. Perhaps it passes its magical energy to all who seek it.
Bosco Verticale (Vertical Forest)
The city is not just about its past; architects continue to surprise visitors. One such “new wonder” is the Bosco Verticale project. Translated as “Vertical Forest,” this remarkable blend of civilization and ecosystem features high-rise buildings with an ecological system incorporating over 800 trees.
The idea is not merely to decorate the city center with scarce greenery but to create a closed ecosystem that impacts urban environmental quality. The greenery was chosen based on various criteria, such as flowering duration, growth, seasonality, and other characteristics determining nature’s cycles. More impressively, this project plans to populate the landscape with corresponding fauna.
Birds, insects, and other ecosystem representatives will find comfortable living conditions here. The project aims to create an urban ecological niche replicating a natural environment. The construction includes two buildings, 80 and 112 meters tall.
Sforza Castle
A medieval castle is an essential part of European culture, and Milan has one too. Sforza Castle was built in the 15th century on the site of a destroyed ducal residence from the 1360 uprising. The castle’s appearance surprisingly resembles the Moscow Kremlin, as its architectural idea later inspired the Kremlin’s construction.
Leonardo da Vinci worked on the castle’s design, though few results have survived. However, a separate room is dedicated to his works. The castle’s exhibition’s masterpiece is an unfinished sculpture by Michelangelo. It also houses collections of antique musical instruments and 15th-century noble household items.
Today, Sforza Castle comprises a museum complex, including an ancient Egyptian museum and a prehistoric museum with fascinating artifacts. A single ticket grants access to all exhibitions, making the visit even more enriching.
Teatro alla Scala
La Scala is more than an opera house; it’s a gathering place for the world’s theatrical elite. Premieres attract opera lovers from around the globe. Named after the church it was built on, the opera house has become synonymous with the highest level of operatic art.
The building’s exterior is modest, designed by Giuseppe Piermarini, but its acoustics are remarkable. With world-class stars performing on stage, each production is a masterpiece, drawing a distinguished audience of society’s aristocrats.
Strict adherence to a dress code is required for attendance. The theater’s interior matches the art level and dress code, with luxury permeating everything. Gold, velvet, and an aristocratic ambiance underscore the grandeur of the place and the performances.
Church of Santa Maria presso San Satiro
Tourist Milan has mass-visit spots and a more profound dimension. A curious eye can discover a Renaissance gem on an inconspicuous shopping street near the central square and Duomo. This is the rebuilt Basilica of Santa Maria presso San Satiro, erected on a 9th-century temple site in 1476.
The building’s exterior is rather austere, but the interior transforms perception with its sacred atmosphere. Young architect Bramante was invited to design the altar’s icon of the Madonna with Child. He ingeniously solved an engineering puzzle within strict spatial constraints.
Bramante created an optical illusion of space with a painted niche less than a meter deep (95 cm). The arches’ effect gives viewers a sense of a 9-meter-deep space behind the Madonna. The Basilica of Santa Maria is a functioning church, offering a chance to free oneself from illusions, listen to a mass, and realize that life is multidimensional, not always fitting into traditional measurements.
Pirelli Tower
This high-rise on Piazza Duca d’Aosta was a revolutionary engineering solution for Italy in the mid-20th century. The structure withstood a tragic event in 2002 when a private plane crashed into it. The 127-meter office building remained standing, and a memorial hall now occupies the entire 26th floor.
From the 32nd floor, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the city and even the Alps’ foothills. However, access to the highest “Belvedere” floor is rarely open and only on special occasions. Another interesting fact is that to circumvent the height restriction law, a copy of the Madonna statue was installed on the roof, as construction above the Madonna del Duomo is prohibited in Milan.
Pinacoteca di Brera
The most famous gallery is the Pinacoteca di Brera, located on the artistic Brera Street – the Italian Montmartre. Opened in 1809, the gallery’s collection impresses with masterpieces of European painting from the 15th to the 17th centuries. It features works by Raphael, Modigliani, Caravaggio, El Greco, and Rembrandt. The building itself is a beautiful palazzo with an inner courtyard, formerly a monastery of the Humiliati order.
Visitors can observe restoration masters at work behind glass partitions, witnessing the intricacies of the craft. The gallery also houses the atmospheric Brera Botanical Garden. A visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera can become an exciting journey into the bohemian life of Italians.
Casa degli Atellani and Leonardo da Vinci’s Vineyard
Another living mystery is the Casa degli Atellani, located near the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo da Vinci lived and painted his famous “Last Supper.” This place is hidden from tourists and is accessible only on special occasions like exhibitions and events. The palazzo is attractive both outside and inside, reflecting the Renaissance spirit and historical personalities.
The house also holds another secret: Leonardo’s vineyard, planted with vines given by Ludovico Sforza. The vineyard was destroyed in 1943, but researchers have replanted the same grape variety in 2015, which can now be seen in the backyard of Casa degli Atellani.
Parco Sempione
A true green oasis, Parco Sempione features intricately designed small forms, benches, bridges, and gazebos adorning shady plane tree alleys. These alleys lead to equally interesting spots, such as Europe’s oldest aquarium or the Torre Branca, where an elevator takes visitors up 109 meters for panoramic city views.
Each park path is named after creative personalities like Shakespeare, Ibsen, Schiller, and Goethe. There’s also an alley dedicated to Alexander Pushkin, accessible via a charming bridge of little mermaids from Petőfi Alley. The park’s real gem is the Palazzo dell’Arte, hosting world-class exhibitions.
The park’s creation in the late 19th century transformed a military training ground between the Sforza Castle and the Arch of Peace into a flourishing oasis, enhancing the beauty of these historic landmarks.
Triennale Design Museum
The first museum of design art, opened in 2007, initially hosted exhibitions every three years, hence its name. Now, the dynamic space engages visitors with annually updated exhibitions. The Triennale embodies the Italian approach to museums, actively involving visitors in the exhibition themes.
Special events for children immerse them in the world of transformations. After exploring the multidimensional world, visitors can enjoy Italian cuisine at the Triennale restaurant. Classic dishes, reinterpreted in a modern way, gain new “flavors” crafted by culinary masters. The restaurant’s panoramic windows offer stunning city views.
Monumental Cemetery
Cimitero Monumentale is a city of the dead, where great artists found their final resting place. Founded in 1866, it resembles a sculpture gallery rather than a cemetery. The diverse monuments and skillfully conveyed ideas represent the personalities buried here.
The Famedio Chapel at the main entrance houses the sarcophagus of writer Manzoni, and the walls hold urns with the ashes of soldiers from World War I. Further along the paths of Monumental Cemetery, one can see how Italians immortalized their loved ones’ earthly journeys through creatively executed monuments and tombstones.
Corso Como Street
Corso Como is a pedestrian promenade and the city’s most active hub. Everything “best” is here: top nightclubs, including the famed Rythmoteque Hollywood, cafes, and shops of renowned brands (like the multibrand store CORSO COMO). Crowds of people stroll or relax in street cafe chairs, creating the panorama of Corso Como.
This vibrant zone is set against a backdrop of ancient history and civilization. The street is flanked by the 1810 Porta Nuova city gates on one side and the “New Milan” with modern high-rises from 2014 on the other. This unique spirit of Italy characterizes the inseparable connection between the past and future, with the past actively participating in urban life, adding color and charm to the city’s culture.
Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa
Built in 1269, the name translates to the “Church of Saint Bernard on the Bones.” It’s a rather specific site to visit, as the details of its decor are human remains previously buried near the church. The custom of creating ossuaries arose from the need to store human skeletons to clear old graves as the city expanded.
The church is an octagonal structure with marble altars. It retains Ricci’s frescoes with a three-dimensional effect visible on the ceiling. The church’s chapel also houses a sculpture of the Madonna kneeling before Jesus Christ’s tomb. The church is active and open to visitors daily.
Velasca Tower
The first skyscraper in the city resembles an ancient fortress, but its 110-meter height reveals its modern origin. The tower is a contemporary interpretation of a medieval Lombard tower. Lit beautifully at night, the Velasca Tower symbolizes the modern city. However, its reputation is mixed, as it has often been cited as an unattractive symbol of contemporary Italy.