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Milan is an absolute behemoth of a city and has the most populated metropolitan area in Italy with 1.3 million people, and 3.2 million in the wider area surrounding central Milan. Some form of human settlement has been present in the region of Milan for thousands of years and archaeological findings date back as far as 222 BC. Indeed, at one point, Milan served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire.
Throughout antiquity, the middle ages, and later, Milan prospered greatly due to its commanding location in mainland Italy. Although the city was damaged during WW2 it has recovered and saw a huge economic boom that accounts for its large growth and expansion.
Today Milan offers a sublime mix of historical architecture, modern high-rise skyscrapers, all mingled together with a dash of Italian life. The city is particularly known for its abundance of high end fashion retailers and the beautiful Duomo Cathedral.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5946″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral is a truly monumental building and is famed for its sublime architecture and took over 600 years to complete.Located in the centre of Milan in the self-named Piazza del Duomo, the cathedral was constructed in 1386 but not officially completed until 1965! With an Italian Gothic style, the front façade of the cathedral is truly magnificent and is crowned with countless towers, statues and decoration.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5948″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie
Although the exterior of this church is not one of the most renowned, it still has a certain charm and grace – Created in 1497, the church features a Gothic style using red bricks and a large rear basilica.This church can be found on the Corso Magenta and sits at the opposite side of Milan to the Duomo.Inside the building lies one of the greatest artistic masterpieces in the world – The Last Supper by Leonardo di Vinci.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5955″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Grand Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
As you walk into the Grand Gallery, you might think you were stood inside the entrance hall to an opera house or palace – Not a shopping mall.But this is essentially what the Galleria is – An extremely opulent and extravagant indoor shopping area.Created in 1877, it stands as one of the oldest shopping malls in the world and was designed by Guiseppe Mengoni.The cross shaped mall is covered via four glass panelled arms that let in the sunlight perfectly, whilst the walls and shop fronts are decorated with ornate panelling and stucco artwork.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5951″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Castello Sforzesco
This 15th century castle has a central location in Milan and is set in extensive grounds and gardens.Created in 1370, the original design has been modified and added too greatly but still retains its elegance and status of power.At the front of the castle stands an immense brick wall lined with battlements and frame by a central guard tower.As you walk through into the central courtyard, you will notice the large guard towers and the sheer size of the castle will amaze you.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5954″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Pinacoteca di Brera
Located in the Palazzo Brera, the Pinacoteca is a fine Art Gallery that contains a large collection of Italian art.In earlier years the palace served as a convent and as a national library and was not converted into a museum until the 19th century.Inside the gallery, you can find such works as the Marriage of the Virgin by Raphael, Pieta by Bellini, the Last Supper by Rubens and the Adoration of the Magi by Correggio.Located in close proximity to both the Sforzesco Castle and the Piazza del Duomo, the Pinacoteca di Brera is easily accessible.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5949″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Sant Ambrogio
This ancient building is one of the oldest in Milan and was built in 379 AD by St. Ambrose.With a simple Romanesque design, the style of this church has not changed much since its creation and the city of Milan was built up around it, as it served as a focal point for the local population.Two large towers frame the front façade and a central courtyard is frame via a series of ornate arches.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5952″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology
Leonardo da Vinci was a legendary man of true genius and he was much more than an artist – He was a true visionary, and inventor and a scholar.It stands to reason that a museum named after this man contains many of his works and a huge collection of other important scientific and technological displays.As one of the most important museums in the world, you can expect to find such collections as a myriad of model cars created from da Vinci drawings, reconstructions of his flying machines, and a plethora of his drawings, blueprints and sketches.Aside from works by the man himself, there is also a huge collection of important scientific inventions and pieces of breakthrough technology that changed the world.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5947″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Piazza dei Mercanti
Once the centre of Milan during the Middle Ages, the Piazza dei Mercanti was a true hub of activity and held many merchant activities and trade markets. Located in-between the Piazza dei Duomo and the Piazza Corduiso, this square is within walking distance of the main sights in Milan. Several important buildings stand in the square including the Pallaza della Ragione, the Pallaza delle Scuole Palatine and the Loggia degli Osii. Furthermore, several important statues and monuments can be found here, some of which have Roman origins.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5950″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Milan Archaeology Museum
Dedicated to the history of ancient Milan, this museum is truly insightful and gives you a glimpse of a time long past. Located in the Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, the first part of the museum details the history of ancient Mediolanum, whilst the second part located in the basement has a selection of artwork and sculptures. Included in the extensive collection are various archaeological remains, theatrical masks, pottery, and armour.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5953″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Piazza del Duomo
As the central Piazza in Milan, the Piazza del Duomo is an immense open public space that features some impressive architecture and sculptures. If you are visiting Milan, this should be your starting point – From here you can view the wonderful Duomo and surrounding buildings. In the center of the square stands a glorious statue of the first King of united Italy – Vittorio Emmanuel, whilst on one side sits the impressive Royal palace.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5956″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Walk down the Naviglio Grande
Not many people realise that Milan actually has two canals, one of which is the Naviglio Grande – This canal stretches from the Porta Ticinese to the Ticino river some 50km to the west. Constructed originally in 1177, the canal was worked on for many years and continued to expand into what it is today. The section of the canal situated within the city centre is a fantastic place to walk and is lined with old buildings plus a variety of shops and restaurants. Stroll down a section of the waterway and admire this different part of Milan that is seldom seen or listed in tourist guides.
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]1. GIARDINI DELLA GUASTALLA
Enclustered among San Babila, Porta Romana and Missori, this place is known as a garden, but it can be considered at its own right a small park in the heart of the city. This garden was the site of a College, so it has been closed and not accessible to the public for centuries. It is now open and it is a peaceful and relaxing place for the Milanese: during the warm seasons it’s not uncommon to see workers having their lunch- break here on the benches when it’s sunny, or students on the grass after university in the afternoon, while if it snows in winter it turns into an incredible white expanse for snowballs. Anyway, the Giardini della Guastalla have not lost their original aristocratic semblance: in the centre there is a noteworthy baroque pull of water with a big pond, surrounded by two staircases of white granit, and an elegant series of little classical statues. The vast majority of those who usually attend this garden have found it absolutely by chance and are now in love with this secret gem. Make sure you become one of them!
ADDRESS: Via Francesco Sforza, 20122 Milano[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5941″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]2. VILLA INVERNIZZI
Within walking distance from Corso Venezia and Palestro subway stop, a green… and pink gem hides. We are in the Quadrilateral of silence, and Villa Invernizzi represents one of the many magnificent liberty residences set in this elegant, quiet, relaxing and hidden quarter, full of wonderful houses and locations. Between them, Villa Invernizzi stands out for a unique and incredible detail: from the street you see a big garden that hosts a big family of flamingos, with grass, trees and a large pool of water for them! This makes Villa Invernizzi one in a million. The flamingos have been staying here for many years now, and they don’t feel like flying away at all. Then again, who would like to leave a place like this? The Milanese love this uncommon and funny detail, but, even if it is possible to spot some curious looking through the big iron gate to take some photos every now and then, the Villa is still almost unkown to the general public. Spending a few minutes in front of this idyllic oasis will make you forget that you are a few feet away from the crowded city centre. Unfortunately, the house is not open to the public, but the garden can be seen from Via dei Cappuccini. We have chosen Villa Invernizzi among all the others for this unique animal-like presence, but of course a full tour of these streets around the various villas is encouraged. Have a good walk!
ADDRESS: Via Cappuccini, 7, 20122 Milano[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5944″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]3. CASA MUSEO BOSCHI DI STEFANO
Milan is an important cultural city, and there are many art centres hidden around the city. An artistic and cultural hidden gem is without any doubt the Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano, located in Via Jan, only a few steps away from Piazza Lima in Corso Buenos Aires. Here, inside an elegant building, you will find a home- museum filled with unique pieces of arts, the result of the personal collection of the two owners of this apartment in the past century. Here around 300 paintings, sculptures and drawings out of their total collection of more than 2000 pieces are on show: it is a real museum! The collection is an excellent example of the Italian art from the 1920s to the 1960s. So, here are some wonderful works of Boccioni, Morandi, Lucio Fontana, Carrà and many others. Anyway, not only is this home — museum impressive for the art, but also for the pieces of furniture which decorate all the rooms. Before their death, Antonio Boschi and Marieda di Stefano expressed their will to transform their home into a cultural foundation, and so it is today. An hour or something more here will be a great pleasure and the discovery of something totally unexpected: Casa Museo Boschi Di Stefano is a hidden gem with a treasure inside
ADDRESS: Via Giorgio Jan, 15, 20129 Milano[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5939″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]4. VICOLO DEI LAVANDAI
A few steps from the well-known marketplaces from Naviglio Grande, there is this corner that remind us of the past of the city. As its name indicates, Vicolo dei Lavandai (in English Washers´ Alley) is the place where milanese men and women used to offer washing services till the ´50s. Even if both genres participated in this activity, the building was conserved as a memorial to the male part of the workers because of their protagonism on this labor during the decades. Far from the big iconic buildings, galleries and churches, this is a perfect reminder of a part of history that cannot be often seen in Milan. Not only its story, but also its colors take us to the times when community activities where an important part of the city life. This structure, that is recommended to visit during the morning or afternoon, maintains its original shape, making the visitors feel like time hasn’t passed. As for nowadays, inside the building where different washing products used to be sold, there is the restaurant El Brellin that conserves its original atmosphere. Also, from some years ago different painters and art exhibitions can be found often in this place. This little piece of story is not only a perfect spot to those who love taking pictures, but also a testimony of decades of work that are an important part of Italy´s life.
ADDRESS: Vicolo dei Lavandai Alzaia Naviglio Grande, 14, 20144 Milano[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5943″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]5. VIA LINCOLN
Take a detour to the east of Milan, not very far from the city center and just a few steps away from Corso XXII Marzo is Via Abramo Lincoln. Via Lincoln is the place where nature meets city, where time seems to have been stopped, only one glance is needed for Via Lincoln to be remembered. As a district, it was devised as a “garden city project” in 1889 where artistic and creative young adults could feel away from the growing Italian metropolis and its mess. Over the years its inhabitants have transformed it into a colorful and nature-filled small paradise. Owners have embellished their properties with bright red, orange and even yellow colors, generating a characteristic vibe and look for the street. Visitors may have bumped accidentally to Via Lincoln, but despite of not being a touristic location, it hides the most colorful spot in Milan, showing that not all big cities are grey and dark.
ADDRESS: Via Abramo Lincoln, 20129, Milano[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5942″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]
6. CHIESA DI SAN MAURIZIO AL MONASTERO MAGGIORE
From the outside, la Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore located in Corso Magenta may not seem like much, but the inside ensures to take the breath away. The church is such a beauty that it has deserved the name of “Sistine Chapel” of Milan, and itself is adjoined to the oldest female monastery in the city: The Benedictine nuns; and was built in 1503, but wasn’t finished until 1518 by Cristoforo Solari.
Wonder what is it that makes it a must see spot? First: the art. From top to bottom, all the walls and ceiling at San Maurizio are covered by the master hands of Bernardino Luini and his sons, Paolo Lomazzo, Ottavio Semino, Callisto Piazza and Simone Peterzano. A simple glance is not enough to take all the beauty the church has to offer. Second: The division. Considering it was adjoined to the Benedictine nuns, the church’s rectangular nave is characteristically divided into two sections. The first section mapped out for the congregation, while the second was intended for the cloistered nuns choir. Just imagine being present when all those faceless voices filled the air with music.San Maurizio Church is more than a worship place, but a place where faith meets art and milanese history and where one can step into the past for a few minutes too..
ADDRESS: Corso Magenta, 15, 20123 Milano
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[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Pescaria
With its all-white interiors and fisherman-basket lampshades, seafood sandwich shop Pescaria looks like it was plucked from a small seaside town and dropped down in the middle of Milan, just steps away from the city’s shiny new high-rises. And that’s not too far from the truth—a much beloved eatery in Polignano a Mare, a picturesque town on Italy’s southern Adriatic coast, Pescaria launched its Milan outpost in 2016. The narrow eatery is crammed with fashionable locals who are willing to brave the long lines for a bite of the restaurant’s transcendent sandwiches, which combine the freshest seafood with an array of unexpected ingredients, like pesto, fried turnip greens and crunchy artichokes. Go for their signature octopus sandwich—the lightly fried octopus is the right balance of crispy and juicy and pairs beautifully with a rich ricotta cheese.
Address: Via Nino Bonnet, 5 Milan
Contact: www.pescaria.it/landing/landing.html[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5935″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Un Posto a Milano
The seasonal menu at Un Posto a Milano is simple, fresh and elegant, much like its digs in a restored 18th-century farmhouse hidden among Porta Romana’s apartment blocks. Chef Nicola Cavallaro sources produce from local farms and crafts dishes that ooze an understated excellence. In the summer, grab a table on the outdoor patio or in the front dining room, a vaulted space with exposed red brick walls, outsized windows and muted color accents: sea green Formica tabletops, Eton blue chairs and apricot orange and straw yellow wall panels. In the winter, hunker down in the back room, where the low ceilings and a massive fireplace, when combined with one of the restaurant’s homemade pastas, make you feel as warm and snug as an oversized wool jacket.
Address:Via Privata Cuccagna, 2 Milan
Contact: www.unpostoamilano.it[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5936″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Casa Ramen
With only a few tables, this ramen joint in Isola is worth the inevitable wait if only to taste an Italian chef’s take on the Japanese noodle dish. While the rest of Milan is enamored with sushi, owner Luca Catalfamo fell in love with ramen, seeing a similarity between the Japanese staple and Italian cuisine. His broth is rich and certain versions, like Miso On Fire, have quite a kick to them. But ramen purists should be forewarned that Catalfamo likes to tinker with his ramen formula, evident in his decision to make his noodles with durum wheat flower, which is traditionally used to make pasta.
Address: Via Luigi Porro Lambertenghi, 25 Milan
Contact: www.casa-ramen.it[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5931″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Dongiò
This old fashioned trattoria in Porta Romana serves Calabrian dishes to a perennially packed dining room full of locals who come to chatter away with friends over plates of hearty food. Family-run, Dongiò is a vanishing breed, one of those typical trattorias that you can count on for good food at reasonable prices. The kitchen specializes in southern home cooking, like the restaurant’s signature dish, spaghettoni alla tamarro, a fresh pasta dish with tomato sauce and n’duja sausage, a spicy spreadable sausage paste commonly found down south made of pig shoulder and belly, as well as organ meat. If you’re vegetarian, order their parmigiana di melanzane, the Italian precursor to the popular Italian-American dish eggplant Parmesan—it’s a gooey reminder that the original is almost always better.
Address: Via Bernardino Corio, 3 Milan
Contact: www.ristorante-dongio.it[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5932″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Il Bacaro del Sambuco
Moncler chairman Remo Ruffini frequently presides over a table in this cozy restaurant in the center of town. “It’s tucked inside a courtyard, like a hidden secret,” says Ruffini, who swears by the paccheri pasta with pachino tomatoes and basil.
Address: Via Montenapoleone, 13, Milan 20121, Itay
Contact: +39 02-7639-4832
www.ilsambuco.it[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5934″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Ristorante La Briciola
La Briciola counts Milan’s who’s who as its regulars, and there are many reasons why. Besides owners Stefania and Gianni’s warm hospitality, La Briciola’s no-nonsense approach to Milanese specialities, Italian dishes and a wide variety of wines has made this an urban icon for nearly 40 years
Address: Via Marsala, 1, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Contact: http://www.labriciola.com/[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5937″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]Erba Brusca
On the outskirts of the city, Erba Brusca is a rural retreat whose short and sweet menu features ingredients from the adjoining garden, bringing diners closer in tune with the land. Run by the French-American chef Alice Delcourt, whose partner Danilo Ingannamorte is the sommelier and maître d’, this informal spot is particularly popular on weekends, when the Milanese escape to the countryside and mountains that ring the city. Although the menu changes regularly, a reliably delicious mainstay is the pasta with clams, truffles and wild sorrel (erba brusca). Pair it with a natural wine from their expertly curated wine list.
Address: Alzaia Naviglio Pavese, 286 Milan
Contact: www.erbabrusca.it[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5933″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]