Milan in numbers
400 BC
FOUNDATION
3.2 million
POPULATION
AREA
182 km²
Why visit Milan
Milan is the capital of Lombardy, the region that drives Italy's economic growth. Around Milan is the largest metropolitan area in the country, second only to Rome in terms of population.
Its strategic location between Italy's two mountain ranges, the Alps and the Apennines, meant that this Celtic settlement was taken to the next level by the Romans. In fact, on two occasions it became the capital of the Empire in its final stage.
The Sforza Castle is irrefutable proof of Milan's greatness as a thriving modern city. It is therefore no coincidence that it passed hands between the French, Spanish and Austrians.
After Italian unification in the 1860s, the inauguration shortly afterwards of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II was a bid to restore the city's centrality. In the 20th century, Milan was a protagonist of the Fascist era, as it saw the birth of both Mussolini's movement and the resistance against his regime.
In the last decades, it was the driving force behind Italy's economic modernisation and its connection with the economic circuits of Europe. Because of its strength, it is no coincidence that much of Italian politics has its roots in Milan.
We share with you 27 places to visit distributed in the following categories:
The economic engine of Italy. Elegant and refined, this international fashion capital dazzles its visitors with its modern and proud personality.
6 Museums, Galleries and Palaces
During the Renaissance, the reckless Sforza family joined and supplanted the Visconti, who had ruled Milan for almost two centuries. As the new Dukes of Milan, the new family sought to compete with the other Italian cities, both militarily and economically, as well as culturally and scientifically. Their castle is a fantastic complex to discover the history of this dynasty: its architecture and exhibitions are worth a visit!
Further afield, the Pinacoteca di Brera is the city's star museum, created by Napoleon himself as the "twin brother" of the Louvre in northern Italy. The other examples on the list also boast interesting collections and temporary exhibitions, which demonstrate the connections that Milan continues to have with other European cultural centres.
5 Monuments and Landmarks
Right next to the cathedral, on Piazza del Duomo, you'll find the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an experience in itself. Even if you're not going to buy anything in its luxurious shops, walking through its corridors will leave you in awe.
The historic centre of Milan is relatively small and allows you to visit the main points in the same day. But you can also go further afield thanks to its excellent transport network, and discover other renovated neighbourhoods that are of great historical interest or newly renovated, as the case may be.
6 Churches and Temples
The first star of the tour is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Nazionale - the Duomo. It breaks several records: it is the one that took the longest to build (six centuries and counting!), the fifth largest in all of Christianity and the one with the most statues. However, the most visited is another one: Santa Maria delle Grazie, because it houses Leonardo da Vinci's famous Last Supper.
The other churches in Milan are also very valuable. Each one of them, and especially those on our list, is a trace of some important stage in the city's history.
6 Squares and Parks
Milan's green spaces are well distributed. For longer walks, you can choose between Sempione Park behind the Sforza Castle or the Indro Montanelli Garden.
If you're looking for something more modern, Piazza Gae Aulenti is busy both day and night. And if you're brave, the Milanese cemetery awaits, which has the same level of luxury and grandeur as the rest of the city.
List with 27 places to visit in Milan
🏛️ Museums, Galleries and Palaces
1. Gallery of Modern Art
2. National Museum of Science and Technology
3. Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
4. Pinacoteca di Brera
5. Poldi Pezzoli Museum
6. Sforza Castle
🏰 Monuments and Landmarks
7. Arch of Peace
8. Colonne di San Lorenzo
9. La Scala Theatre
10. Naviglio Grande
11. Ticinese Gate
⛪ Churches and Temples
12. Basilica of San Ambrosio
13. Basilica of San Carlo al Corso
15. Milan Cathedral
16. San Bernardino alle Ossa Sanctuary
17. Santa Maria delle Grazie
🌳 Squares and Parks
18. Gae Aulenti Square
19. Indro Montanelli Public Garden
20. Mercanti Square
21. Monumental Cemetery of Milan
22. Piazza La Scala
23. Sempione Park
🎡 Experiences and Activities
24. ATMosphere
25. Balloon Ride in Lombardy
26. Fashion Quadrilateral
27. Galleria Victor Emmanuel II
Photo gallery
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