A walk on the famous Piazza Mercanti is an excellent way to get acquainted with the cultural heritage of Milan. The street is the location of numerous outstanding historic buildings. Loggia degli Osii is a beautiful medieval building famous for its graceful balcony, which is built of black and white marble slabs. The whole building is erected by the order of Duke Matteo Visconti. Panigarola- a beautiful Gothic building – is located nearby. In the 15th century the building hosted the local Registration Chamber. The construction of Palace of Counsel was completed in 1562. Today, however, only a portion of its facade is visible from the street. Keep walking in this part of the city and you will see a beautiful Paris Commune Tower - a beautiful monument of the 17th century. The roof of the building is decorated with a beautiful statue of St. Ambrose.
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It is impossible to imagine acquaintance with Milan without visiting or at least taking a quick glance at Duomo di Milano. This is a real landmark of the city and its most important artifact is a nail taken from the Holy Crucifixion. The masterpiece of Gothic architecture attracts thousands of tourists every year, not in the least due to the fact that Leonardo da Vinci, who lived and worked here for a while, contributed to the construction of the cathedral. It is worth climbing to the roof of the building, as the impressive panoramic views that open up from here will amaze right about any tourist.
It’s simple to get lost in the variety of design hotels in Milan because all of them look attractive and authentic. Boscolo Milano, Autograph Collection® is located close to Duomo di … Open
Many are fascinated by Cimitero Monumentale too, which is located relatively close to Bosco Verticale. This cemetery which is a kind of concealed treasure, have real works of art hidden in it. Also, it is worth mentioning a couple of words about another remarkable attraction of the capital Lombardy – the opera La Scala. The building which is constructed in a neoclassical style draws attention immediately. However, once you have just gotten inside, you can be surprised that not even some fancy palace can boast of such a luxury as you will find here. Nearby is the Museo Teatrale alla Scala, which is also worth visiting.
Milan is famous for its trendy hotels, and Armani Hotel Milano is known as one of the most prestigious. The building, in which the hotel is located, was constructed more than 80 years ago by … Open
City tours, excursions and tickets in Milan and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Milan: churches, museums and castles
Milan Cathedral, Milan
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Milan Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Milan located in the historic center of the city. » The Cathedral is built of white marble in the Flamboyant Gothic style.
» The Milan Cathedral is the fifth largest church in the world. The temple can accommodate up to 40,000 people.
» There are about 3,400 statues in the cathedral.
» The main attraction inside the cathedral is the golden statue of patron saint of Milan.
» The roof of the Milan Cathedral offers the most spectacular views of the city.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the shopping mall in Milan, one of the first European passages. » The gallery bears the name of King Victor Emmanuel II.
» The building of the gallery was built by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who died during construction.
» The building is designed in form of a Latin cross, which is decorated with mosaics depicting the four continents (except Australia), as well as allegories of art, agriculture, science and industry.
» The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is home to many famous shops (Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton), famous cafes and restaurants. The gallery also regularly hosts concerts and exhibitions.
Sforza Castle, Milan
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Sforza Castle is one of the most famous castles in Italy, which is the residence of the Dukes of Milan of Sforza Dynasty. » Currently, the Sforza Castle is a group of museums (dedicated to ancient Egypt, prehistoric era, musical instruments, utensils and others) featuring a single ticket for entrance (free admission on Fridays in the afternoon).
» The hall for ball games and elephant portico in the palace were perfectly preserved to this days.
» You can also see the last (unfinished) sculpture by Michelangelo, Pieta Rondanini, in the castle.
» The Sforza Castle can boast paintings by Mantegna, Giovanni Bellini, Filippino Lippi, Pontormo and Correggio, as well as a curious collection of musical instruments.
Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan
Location on the map: Facts:
» Santa Maria delle Grazie is the main church of the Dominican convent in Milan, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. » The church boasts one of the most famous frescoes in the world, The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.
» During World War II the refectory of the church was bombed by Anglo-American air forces, but the fresco by Leonardo da Vinci has miraculously survived.
» There is admission fee in the temple. Visitors are allowed to spend there only a quarter of an hour; taking photos inside is prohibited.
Basilica of Sant Ambrogio, Milan
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Basilica of Sant Ambrogio is the church built in 379-386 AD by Ambrose Mediolano at the burial site of the early Christian martyrs in Milan. » The first church was called the Basilica of the Martyrs.
» The church houses the relics of St. Ambrose, a priceless treasure for all Christians.
» Next to St. Ambrose relics of martyrs Gervasius and Protasius can be seen. The basilica is also the burial site for the remains of Emperor Louis II.
» There are many priceless ancient objects dating back to 4-9th centuries, as well as many beautiful frescoes of 14th century and mosaics of 6-8th centuries.