The Milan Cathedral, otherwise known as the Duomo, is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan and the largest church in Italy (the third largest in Europe and the fourth largest in the world), covering an area of 12,000 sqm and weighing a staggering 325,000 tons!

The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary Nascent and has been the epicenter of the city's life since 1386. Its foundation was laid by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who died in 1402 when only half of the structure had been finished, upon which the construction came to a standstill for almost 80 years because of the lack of funds and ideas. It resumed only in 1500, and by 1510 the octagonal dome was completed – embellished with four series of 15 statues representing different characters from the Bible.

In 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte forced completion of the façade, which overall took another seven years of work. In honor of his efforts, a statue of Napoleon was erected at the top of one of the spires. Later, the Duomo also hosted his crowning ceremony. However, it wasn't until the 20th century, with the completion of the last gate, that the centuries-long construction of the cathedral was finally over, marked by inauguration on January 6, 1965.

A climb to the roof, much as a descend to the Paleo Christian baptistery beneath the west side of the Duomo are the highlights of a visit here. The rooftop offers a closer look at the intricate details of the spires and the gargoyles adorning it, plus a breathtaking view over of the city, some 70 meters above ground, replete with myriads of statues, pinnacles, tracery and flying buttresses. In order to get there, visitors have to traverse 201 stairs up through a winding narrow passageway, which is a bit tiring. Still, those who wish, can spare the effort and use an elevator.

Why You Should Visit:
Milan's one truly must-visit sight – a vast riot of ornate religious sculpture on the exterior, and the interior sublimely huge.

Tip:
Buy an online skip-the-line ticket that covers entry and access to the elevator.
The surrounding piazza comes at its finest at night when the cathedral's façade is lit by white lights.

The gigantic central piazza, milling with people and pigeons, is awe-inspiring, with the Museo del Novecento being a particularly impressive sight. No cafés spill onto it, but the historic Camparino is tucked under the porticoes, created by the founder of the Campari dynasty in 1867. It was here, at the entrance to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, that Verdi used to enjoy a drink after concerts and where, in 1877, Milanese nobility flocked to see the first experiment in electric lighting. It was also here, in this Art Nouveau interior, that stressed Milanese still relax over a coffee or Campari, served with over-sized olives.

The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) on the south side of the Duomo stands on the site of the original Broletto or town hall, destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa in 1162. It was rebuilt in 1171, then later transformed into the Ducal Palace for the Visconti and Sforza dynasties. On the occasion of Galeazzo Visconti’s marriage to Beatrice d’Este in Modena, their entry into Milan was marked by eight days of festivities at the palace. In 1336 the Church of San Gottardo in Corte was built as the Visconti’s private chapel. You can still see the charming colonnaded campanile rising to the rear of the palace, but the church itself was destroyed when the building was incorporated into the neoclassical palace. In 1412 the church steps were the scene of the murder of Giovanni Maria Visconti; as a consequence, the family decided to reside in the safer environs of the fortified castle. Under the Sforza a theatre was established at the palace, and in 1595 Mozart, who was only 14, performed here.

Another unmissable landmark in the piazza is, of course, Ercole Rosa's 1896 equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, first king of Italy, who triumphantly entered Milan in 1859.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a fashionable five-storey mall covered in curved glass, topped with iron roof and lavishly decorated with patriotic mosaics and statues – legacy of the chaotic era of Italian unification, manifesting the country's newly-acquired self-confidence.

It was built between 1865 and 1877 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni – who is also credited with the monumental design of the entire area between the Milan Cathedral and La Scala – and is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy. Officially inaugurated on September 15, 1867, the Galleria's completion took another ten years of continuous work. Tragically, just a day before it was over, in December 1877, Giuseppe Mengoni died in accident, falling down from the top of the triumphal arch.

Designed in the form of a Latin cross, the gallery comprises two glass-vaulted covered passages, with the longer one being 196 meters and the shorter – 105.5 meters long, crossing in an octagonal central piazza below an impressive 47-meter high, 36-meter wide glass dome. Incorporating iron and arching glass, the Galleria's architectural design proved groundbreaking for the creation of enclosed shopping malls in the 19th century. Moreover, its use of an iron structure inspired the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

An interesting feature of the gallery is the floor adorned with marble mosaics depicting emblems of the main Italian cities. Locals believe that stepping on the bull's image in the middle of the floor with a heel of the right foot and spinning around can bring good luck. Adherence to this tradition has already left a hole there.

Why You Should Visit:
Almost like stepping into the picture of 19th-century Milan with its lights, colors, windows and landscaping that will never fade in your memory.
There are a few restaurants (incidentally not very expensive, considering it's 'the mall') where you can sit back, eat to your heart's content, and watch the crowds go by.
There's also a very nice Leonardo Museum at the end of the mall, bang opposite the statue of Leonardo da Vinci.

Tip:
Try to visit late at night or early in the morning when there aren't that many people in.
Don't forget to find the "bull" on the floor and have fun!

The La Scala Theatre Chorus, Ballet, and Orchestra make it one of the premier musical theaters worldwide. Inaugurated in 1778, the famous opera house in Milan has welcomed some of the finest singers from Italy and around the globe.

After the Teatro Regio Ducale burned down in 1776, a new theater was erected on the site of the former church of Santa Maria alla Scala, from which it derived its name. The cost of building the theater was covered by sales of theatrical boxes, which were exquisitely decorated and made a lasting impression on guests, including the prominent French author Stendhal. Soon, La Scala became a preferred gathering spot for high society. In accordance with the tradition of the time, the main floor had no chairs, and audiences had to stand to watch the shows. Additionally, the orchestra pit had yet to be constructed.

Badly damaged during World War II, La Scala underwent a complete restoration before reopening in 1946. To commemorate the occasion, Arturo Toscanini arranged an unforgettable concert featuring a sensational solo by Renata Tebaldi. From 2002 to 2004, the theater underwent a major renovation. Despite its plain facade, the La Scala interior is stunningly elegant and intimate, surpassing that of opera houses in New York and London.

Why You Should Visit:
The La Scala Orchestra, comprising 135 musicians, is one of the world's most outstanding orchestras for opera productions, known for its ability to produce a uniform and distinguished sound. The theater is also internationally acclaimed for its symphonic activities. The La Scala museum houses one of the richest and most coveted collections of music-themed artifacts worldwide. A tour of the theater provides a rare opportunity to sit in its most prominent box and take photos.

Tip:
Do not buy second-row balcony tickets unless you are quite tall.
After 6pm, same-day tickets are sold at a substantial discount.

Noble palazzi grace the elegant Via Manzoni, but one historical home not to be missed is the Museo Poldi Pezzoli. Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, an aristocrat of refined taste, amassed an exquisite collection of art, antiques, and curiosities within his palace. With the help of an inheritance and a group of skilled craftsmen, connoisseurs, and artists, Poldi Pezzoli restored the palace and transformed its apartments into a series of historically-themed rooms inspired by great art periods of the past. He stipulated that upon his death, the building and its priceless treasures should be accessible to the public.

In 1881, the museum opened, and Poldi Pezzoli's passion for arms and armoury formed the core collection. In time, this was supplemented with 15th-18th century Italian paintings, sculpture, Persian carpets, porcelain, and Murano glass. While only four of the original 'Artistic Rooms' survived the bombing of WWII, they have been meticulously restored to their former glory: the rococo-style Stucco Room, the mahogany and ivory-clad Black Room, Pezzoli’s bedroom in the Antique Murano Room, and the Byzantine-influenced Dante study, where he kept his prized possessions.

The museum's highlights include Renaissance masterpieces such as Mantegna's “Portrait of a Man” and “Madonna and Child”, Piero della Francesca's “Deposition” and “St Nicholas of Tolentino”, and Botticelli’s “Madonna and Child” in the Salone Dorato (Golden Salon). However, the portrait that captures the hearts of locals is Pollaiuolo's enchanting “Portrait of a Young Woman” (1441-96), which now serves as the museum's emblem.

As you navigate through the museum, you'll also encounter displays of Venetian glass, 18th-century porcelain, and cabinets shimmering with jewelry.

Why You Should Visit:
A stunning edifice, complemented by an equally impressive art collection that simply demands your attention.

Tip:
This particular establishment is one of the rare few that remain open on Mondays, and its admission fee is quite reasonable, so spending just a little extra on the audio guide is surely worth it.

Pinacoteca di Brera is an art collection containing some of the most valuable Italian paintings gathered from the churches and monasteries taken over during the Napoleonic rule. Located on the street of the same name, the gallery is surrounded by traditional cafes loved by the locals. The statue of Napoleon greets visitors upon entering through the main gate. The first floor of the building is occupied by the Accademia di Belle Arti, while the picture gallery itself is situated on the second floor.

There are nearly 40 rooms featuring great masterpieces, like Andrea Mantegna's amazingly foreshortened "Dead Christ", Raphael's "Betrothal of the Virgin", and Piero della Francesca's "Madonna with Saints". The museum also showcases over 500 paintings from the Venetian and Lombard schools spanning the 14th-19th centuries, in a chronological order that demonstrates the progression of painting techniques. Additionally, there is a modern art section with paintings by Modigliani and Picasso.

The gallery has an onsite restoration lab, plus a cute little garden in the backyard, filled with aromatic herbs, flowers, climbers and vegetable plants. Among them are Europe's oldest ginkgo biloba trees, which were brought from China in the early 1700s and reach up to 30 feet in height.

Why You Should Visit:
Visiting Pinacoteca di Brera is an opportunity to appreciate exclusive works by Italy's most renowned artists from the 13th-20th centuries, and after finishing your visit, you can explore the lovely Brera neighborhood for food and drinks. Great way to spend a morning or afternoon!

Tip:
Take a good look at the free map to understand the flow of the gallery and to find the rooms that interest you most. To appreciate the paintings fully, get an audio guide.
Another advice would be to use the seats whenever available; there is much to see here, so sitting down every now and again is highly recommended.

Castello Sforzesco, one of the largest fortresses in Europe, was originally built in the 14th century to house the Duchy of Milan. Despite its long history of battles, invasions, sacking and destruction, the castle has endured and been restored many times. One of its towers, the Filarete tower, once used to store ammunition, famously exploded in 1521 after being struck by lightning, causing many casualties and significant damage to the fortress.

During the Napoleonic era, the castle was severely damaged and used as quarters for troops, including stables in the frescoed rooms on the ground floor of the Corte Ducale. However, following Italy's Unification in the late 19th century, the castle was reconstructed by architect Luca Beltrami and returned to the city of Milan in 1905. Today, it is a prominent hub of art and culture, boasting seven museums accessible to the public.

The interior of is adorned with exquisitely detailed works of art, notably the intricate ceiling fresco in the magnificent Sala delle Asse, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, who was commissioned by his patrons, the Sforza family. The fresco depicts a pergola in a garden with 16 mulberry trees held together by a golden rope.

Why You Should Visit:
Each room herein is a treasure, not only for the exhibited items, but also for the ceiling frescoes which are wonders in their own right.
Entrance to the castle is free, so if you're on a budget, just walk through and admire the courtyards and architecture. As for the "all museums" fee, it is quite reasonable.

Tip:
Exploring the entire Castello Sforzesco, complete with its gardens, may take a few days.
Try to go on Tuesday around 2pm to get free entry (entry on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is free for all public museums).
There's no way to access the battlements or the "inside" (aside from the museums) except by a guided tour, so consider booking one in advance.

The Church of Saint Maurice is a stunning church in Milan's city center, located where the most important convent for women once stood. With its beautiful murals, it is considered by many to be the most beautiful church in Milan, surpassing even the famous Duomo. Inside, every inch is covered with color, whether through paintings or mosaics, and gold is everywhere. The pillars, ceilings, and walls are adorned with decorations and prints, earning the church its nickname, "The Sistine Chapel" of Milan.

Construction of the church took about fifteen years in the 16th century. It was originally divided into two parts, one for the nuns and one for the faithful, with the strict division having only disappeared at the end of the 18th century.

Many frescoes on the walls date back to the 16th century and include works by Luini (both father and son), Campi, and Peterzano. They depict various religious images, including saints, angels, Jesus carrying the cross, and Jesus when he died. Another noteworthy object is the organ in the part where the nuns used to sit, dating back to 1554 and designed by Antegnati.

The use of colors in the church is powerful, and the colored stained glass windows are also worth seeing.

Tip:
Museo Civico Archeologico, a small but lovely archaeological museum, is located in the adjacent monastery. Here, you can admire two ancient Roman watchtowers up close, as well as numerous sculptures and a beautiful maquette spread over three floors.

In the bustling city of Milan, amidst its grandeur and energy, lies a place of quiet contemplation, the Ambrosiana Library and Art Gallery. Its origins date back to 1603 when local Cardinal Federico Borromeo, who had just returned from Rome's artistic circles, founded this sanctuary of knowledge and beauty. With over 36,000 manuscripts and more than 750,000 prints, the library is a true treasure trove of intellectual inquiry and spiritual reflection. Named after the patron saint of Milan, Ambrose, it is a testament to the intersection of religion, intellectualism, and aesthetics that defined the Renaissance period.

One of the main attractions here is the Codex Atlanticus, a collection of twelve volumes of drawings and manuscripts created by Leonardo da Vinci between 1478 and 1519. Containing the artist's drawings, sketches and fables, it is undoubtedly the largest collection of Leonardo's writings on practically every area of human knowledge: mechanics, mathematics, astronomy, botany, geography, physics, chemistry, architecture and philosophy.

Part of the library is the famous Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the art gallery, featuring da Vinci's "Portrait of a Musician", Caravaggio's "Basket of Fruit", as well as Raffaello's life-size, pencil and carbon sketch of the "The School of Athens", a full-color final version of which is displayed in the Vatican.

Among other major acquisitions here are Islamic manuscripts, 11th-century diwan of poets and the oldest copy of the 'Kitab Sibawahaihi', plus a complete set of manuscripts from the Benedictine monastery of Bobbio (1606) and those from Vincenzo Pinelli of Padua, comprising more than 800 pieces, including the famous Ilias Picta (Ambrosian Iliad).

Why You Should Visit:
A chance to immerse yourself in the world of academic tomes and works of art, experience the tranquil ambiance that has enchanted scholars and art lovers for centuries, see art restorers at work on peculiar Renaissance masterpieces -- and in a brilliant building, too.

Tip:
On a weekday, you can practically have the entire place to yourself. The provided map/guide is quite clear, with all the main highlights identified, but if you're pressed for time, taking a guided tour is advisable.

The small church of San Bernardino alle Ossa is famous for its unique decoration, which includes human skulls and bones; a fascinating example of how death and religion have been intertwined throughout history.

The church has origins dating back to the 13th century, when its ossuary served as the final resting place for the victims of the plague from the nearby San Barnaba hospital. It was reconstructed in rococo style in 1679 after its collapse due to the fallen bell tower of the neighboring Santo Stefano church. The walls of the reconstructed ossuary, adorned with a frescoed vault depicting the "Triumph of Souls among Flying Angels," are now adorned with an eerie display of human bones, including the skulls of executed prisoners.

The chapel-Ossuary left such an impression on King John V of Portugal that in 1738 he had an exact replica made in Évora, near Lisbon.
All in all, a must-see destination for anyone interested in macabre art and architecture.

Why You Should Visit:
Not many churches out there are decorated with thousands of human bones – in Rococo style, at that!
For those with a macabre side or an interest in medieval Christianity, you have to see this place in the middle of urban Milan.

Tip:
You can take photos in here but are not allowed to use flash... or talk.

Dedicated to the Italian painter and scientist Leonardo da Vinci, this is actually the largest science and technology museum in Italy. Opened on 5 February 1953, the museum is housed in the ancient monastery of San Vittore al Corpo, showcasing 7 main departments, namely: Materials, Transport, Energy, Communication Leonardo da Vinci – Art & Science, New Frontiers, and Science for Young People.

The Transport section is divided into four parts: Air, Rail, Water, and Submarine Enrico Toti-S-506. However, the Leonardo da Vinci – Art & Science area is one of the most popular ones, consisting of four parts: Jewelry, Leonardo da Vinci, Horology, and Musical Instruments.

While the Jewelry collection showcases objects made of gems and precious metals, including gold and ivory, the Leonardo da Vinci part exhibits machines that were reproduced from Da Vinci's drawings, such as a hydraulic saw, a spinning machine, a flying machine, and the so-called Leonardo's Tank. The displayed models are the result of the reinterpretation of a group of experts who have translated and completed the drawings.

The Horology collection shows the evolution of watchmaking by displaying several pendulums, ancient clocks, personal watches, and tower mechanisms. The Musical Instruments section displays instruments from the 17th to 20th centuries, and a reconstruction of a lutemaker's workshop from the 17th century is also exhibited.

Why You Should Visit:
A fantastic destination for science enthusiasts, engineering minds, and fact-followers of any age.

Santa Maria delle Grazie (the Church of Holy Mary of Grace) is a world-famous church and Dominican convent in Milan, included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites list. The Duke of Milan, Francesco I Sforza, ordered the building of Santa Maria delle Grazie in the 15th century. The design of its apse has been attributed to Donato Bramante, who at that time was in the service of the Duchy. While adhering to the overall Gothic style of the convent, he added some Romanesque touches as well.

The church is primarily famous for the mural of The Last Supper (Il Cenacolo Vinciano) found in the refectory of the convent. Created by Leonardo da Vinci for his patron Duke Ludovico Sforza and the Duchess, this 15th-century wall painting was made on a dry wall rather than on wet plaster, and, thus, is not truly a fresco. A fresco cannot be altered as the artist works; therefore, Leonardo decided to paint on the stone wall and then cover it with a sealing layer. The work began to deteriorate a few years after he had finished it. Two early copies of "The Last Supper", thought to be the work of Leonardo's assistant, still exist.

During World War II, on the night of 15 August 1943, an allied aerial bombardment hit the church and the convent. Much of the refectory was destroyed, but some walls survived, including the one holding "The Last Supper", which had been sand-bagged for protection. The preservation works continuously done ever since, and hopefully in the future, are believed to maintain this painting intact for many centuries to come.

Why You Should Visit:
Viewing "The Last Supper" in its own setting will make you feel more appreciative of the single point linear perspective and the 3D effect so cleverly used by Da Vinci.

Tip:
To view "The Last Supper", make sure to book your tickets well in advance on the official website, as they are usually sold out within at least two weeks prior to the sought date.

Milan's largest park, situated behind the Castello Sforzesco, has undergone an impressive transformation. Once a haven for dubious characters and drug addicts, Sempione now boasts beautifully landscaped gardens, a vibrant design museum, a restaurant, and even complimentary Wi-Fi. The Sforza family's original hunting ground here was six times larger than the current park size. Napoleon envisioned a grandiose city centred on the park, but only completed the Arena and the Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace).

The Arena Civica, an ancient Roman-style amphitheatre, located on the park's eastern side, used to host chariot races, festivities, and even mock naval battles using water from the canals. With a seating capacity of 30,000, it now serves as a sports stadium, hosting concerts and civil weddings.

On the park's western side, the Triennale was initially opened in 1932 as a museum for exhibitions and decorative arts. It has been revived as the Triennale Design Museum, Italy's first museum dedicated exclusively to design. The museum boasts a playful space and a compact permanent collection spanning from the post-war era to the present day, making it an engaging experience even for those lukewarm about design. The Triennale café and restaurant serve interesting food to a critical arts crowd.

Near the Triennale is the metallic Torre Branca, Milan's version of the Eiffel Tower. Designed by Milanese architect Giò Ponti in 1933 as part of the Triennale exhibition, the tower has a lift that takes visitors up to 108m (354ft) for a panoramic view of the city. At the bottom, Justme Milano, owned by Roberto Cavalli, rock royalty's favourite fashion designer, offers cocktails and supper to suitably dressed visitors.

The Cimitero Monumentale ("Monumental Cemetery"), designed by Carlo Maciachini, is one of Milan's two largest cemeteries, along with the Cimitero Maggiore. It was created to unite small cemeteries spread throughout the city and provide a single location away from the densely populated central city area. Officially opened in 1866, it has since then been filled with a wide range of contemporary and classical Italian sculptures, Greek temples, elaborate obelisks, and other original works, such as a scaled-down version of Trajan's Column. Many of the tombs belong to notable industrialist dynasties.

The large Famedio, a massive Hall of Fame-like Neo-Medieval style building made of marble and stone, serves as the main entrance and contains the tombs of some of the city's and the country's most esteemed citizens, including that of novelist Alessandro Manzoni.

The Civico Mausoleo Palanti, designed by architect Mario Palanti, is a tomb built for the deserving citizens of Milan.

The memorial of about 800 Milanese killed in Nazi concentration camps is located in the center and is the work of the group BBPR, formed by leading exponents of Italian rationalist architecture that included Gianluigi Banfi.

Also featured is a special section for those who do not belong to the Catholic religion and a Jewish section.

An exhibition near the entrance showcases prints, photographs, and maps that trace the cemetery's historical development, including two battery-operated electric hearses built in the 1920s.

The sculptures and structures of the Monumental Cemetery showcase its artistic history from Realism and Eclecticism to Liberty and Symbolism, and into the contemporary age. In other words, nothing short of a real open-air museum that one should not miss!

Why You Should Visit:
Even if you're not big on cemeteries, this is something else and it's honestly impressive, as it features unique works by some of Milan's best sculptors and artists.
The cemetery's urban design resembles a city, as it is composed of rectangular blocks framed by streets and avenues that separate tombs instead of houses.

Tip:
Summer visitors: try to avoid wearing open-toed sandals as you'll be walking on gravel paths and thus will have to keep stopping and emptying your shoes!

Bosco Verticale, which means "Vertical Forest" in English, is a pair of residential towers located in Milan's Porta Nuova district. Designed by architect Stefano Boeri, the towers were completed in 2014 and have since become one of the city's most iconic landmarks. They stand at heights of 110 and 76 meters and are home to over 900 trees, 5,000 shrubs, and 11,000 plants, creating a green oasis in the heart of the city.

The design of Bosco Verticale was based on the concept of urban reforestation, with the aim of improving the quality of urban life by providing natural spaces for residents. The towers are also equipped with sustainable technologies, including solar panels and a rainwater harvesting system, making them energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

In addition to their ecological features, the towers offer luxurious living spaces, with a range of apartments, penthouses, and duplexes available. The towers also feature a range of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, and a rooftop swimming pool. Bosco Verticale has won numerous awards for its innovative design and sustainable features, including the International Highrise Award in 2014 and the "Best Tall Building Worldwide" award in 2015.