Visit the top 10 spots in Milan
for your unforgettable trip through art, culture and fashion
THE LAST SUPPER
The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is the greatest masterpiece of the Renaissance and part of UNESCO World Heritage. In the 19th century due to the French invasion, it nearly got destroyed, but thanks to a restoration the fresco can now be seen in full color. Make sure you reserve a ticket in advance. The church can be visited freely and is open from 7 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Conciliazione or Cadorna F.N.
THE DUOMO
Streching up high above the piazza, The Duomo of Milan is the third largest Cathedral in Europe. A staggering 3,500 statues and 13 5 spires adorn the marble structure, which has a Baroque and neo-Gothic façade. It took 500 years to complete. To appreciate this beautiful cathedral in all its glory, take the lift or steps to the roof, from where you get a breathtaking view of the Alps on a clear day. The Cathedral is open every day from 9 am to 8 pm. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Duomo.
GALLERIA VITTORIO EMANUELE II
For a spot of luxury, look out the glass-roofed arcade near the Duomo: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Built in 1867, the ceilings vaults are decorated with mosaics representing Asia, Africa, Europe and America. It has a grand style that’s given it the name of “Il salotto di Mlano” ( Milan’s living room). Prada’s flagship store has been in business here since 1913 and it’s recently been joined by Louis Vuitton and Gucci. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Duomo.
TEATRO ALLA SCALA
The Scala Opera House was commissioned by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria in 1776 and has seen the premier of many great classical Italian operas. The sumptuous auditorium is decorated in red velvet and glided stuccowork. You can visit the auditorium as part of a museum tour. The museum is open every day from 9 am to 12 pm and from 1.30 pm to 5 pm. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Duomo.
PALAZZO REALE
In the heart of the city, beside the Duomo, there is the historic Palazzo Reale, seat of the city council in the 11th century. Today the palace hosts a museum and many art exhibitions. Palazzo Reale is open every day from 8 am to 7 pm. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Duomo.
CASTELLO SFORZESCO
Museums and vast archives running all the way from Palaeolithic history through to 1950s, Castello Sforzesco really needs an entire day. During the 15th century, it was home to the aristocratic court of Ludovico 'il Moro' Sforza, patron of Leonardo da Vinci. The Castle is open every day from 7 am to 6 pm (in winter) and from 7 am to 7 pm (in summer). Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Cairoli Castello.
PINACOTECA DI BRERA
The exquisite collection at the Pinacoteca di Brera art museum covers works by major Italian artists from the 13th to the 20th centuries, including Caravaggio, Bellini, Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, Titian and Tintoretto. Behind the museum, the Orto Botanico di Brera is a lovely spot to relax, and there are plenty of exhibition spaces, boutiques and cool bars to visit in the area. The Pinacoteca is open every day from 8.30 am to 7.15 pm.
Underground MM2 (green line) – to Abbiategrasso, stop Lanza.
QUADRILATERO DELLA MODA
Bordered by via della Spiga, via Manzoni, via Sant'Andrea and via Montenapoleone, the Quadrilatero della moda i is Milan's most exclusive shopping area in the city, where fashions jump from catwalk to clothes rail in weeks. Designer named stores include Armani, Gucci, Prada and Versace. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop San Babila.
I NAVIGLI
The Navigli is one of the most unique area of the City. Walk through the ancient washhouses of Vicolo dei Lavandai and San Cristoforo and stop at Darsena port. This port was built in 1603 and sits at the confluence of two canals linking Milan with the Ticino and Po rivers, and now hosts many riverside shopping, restaurants and bars in Milan. Underground MM2 (green line) to Abbiategrasso, stop Porta Genova.
STADIO SAN SIRO
The San Siro Stadium is an essential place of pilgrimage for any football fan. This 85,000 –seater is home of two rival clubs, AC Milan and FC Internazionale, which are among the most powerful teams in the world. Even on non-match days, a tour and visit to the museum gives you an insight into the powerhouse of football. The Museum is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Underground MM1 (red line) to Rho/Bisceglie, stop Lotto.
The top 10 list is available for free at the Reception.