Milan - Places to Visit
The Sforza Castle
One of Milan's most striking landmarks, The Sforza Castle is home to the Museum of Ancient Art and the Museum of Musical Instruments as well as a collection of galleries, displaying a variety of objects ranging from arms to furniture.
top ↑Milan's Duomo (Cathedral)
Situated in the heart of the city, Milan's Duomo was first constructed in 1386 and has since been added to on a number of occasions. The façade, for example, was completed over 400 years later by order of Napoleon. It is one of the largest Gothic churches in the world and a wonderful piece of architecture with 135 white marble spires, numerous belfries, statues and gargoyles, while the interior contains remarkable stained-glass windows, bas-reliefs and various works of art. The Cathedral also offers stunning views of the city from its roof.
top ↑Santa Maria delle Grazie
A beautiful 15th century Renaissance convent that is well worth a visit. It is most famous as the home of Leonard de Vinci's masterpiece, the Last Supper, which is painted on a wall in the old Dominican Monastery refectory.
top ↑Il Teatro alla Scala
Dating from 1778, Il Teatro alla Scala is probably the world's most famous opera house and has one of the largest stages in Europe. The adjoining Museo Teatrale alla Scala is a must for opera lovers and is packed with numerous memorabilia from the opera house.
top ↑The Pinacoteca di Brera
The city's most prestigious art gallery, The Pinacoteca di Brera has been open to the public since 1809. It is housed in the Palazzo di Brera and is mainly comprised of major works by Italian Renaissance and Baroque painters. There are also several works by foreign schools of the 17th and 18th centuries.
top ↑The Leonardo da Vinci National Science & Technology Museum
This fascinating museum catalogues the history of science and contains a variety of models depicting the various machines designed by da Vinci. It is open between 0930 and 1700, Tuesday to Friday, and between 0930 and 1830 at weekends.
top ↑La Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
Built in the late 4th century by St. Ambrose, the city's patron saint and former Bishop, La Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio was enlarged in the 11th century and is one of the finest medieval buildings in Milan. The Museo della Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio is home to some fascinating and beautiful exhibits such as a 9th-century altar in precious metals and enamels, as well as a variety of paintings, sculptures, and Flemish tapestries.
top ↑The Museo Poldi-Pezzoli
Home to a fantastic collection of antique furnishings, tapestries, frescoes, and Lombard wood carvings. There is also an extensive collection of paintings by many of the old masters of northern and central Italy and one room devoted to Flemish artists.
top ↑Parco Sempione
If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city at any point then the 120 acre Parco Sempione, located just behind Sforza Castle, is a great place to relax in beautiful natural surroundings. The park, which was formerly a training ground for the armed forces, was first opened to the public in 1893 and is home to the Arc of Peace (Arco della Pace) that was built during the occupation of Napoleon III.
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