Milan to experience

Milan is increasingly becoming known for its historical and cultural attractions that go beyond the famous Duomo. The Sforzesco Castle, the Brera Art Gallery and La Scala are just some of the beauties that bring millions of tourists to the city. There are now many reasons to go to Milan, both for leisure as well as for work needs.

History:
The construction of the Milan Cathedral, officially the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, began in 1386 on commission by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Duke of Milan.
The works continued for over six centuries, marked by different phases and the intervention of numerous renowned architects and artists. The main facade was completed only in 1897, while the last spire in 1965.
The Duomo represents an undisputed symbol of the city of Milan and an absolute masterpiece of Italian and global Gothic architecture.

Religion:
The Duomo is the seat of the Archdiocese of Milan and one of the most important churches in Italy.

It houses numerous religious relics of great value, including the Sacred Nail, believed to be one of the nails used for the crucifixion of Jesus.

The cathedral is also an important place of pilgrimage and prayer for Catholic faithful from all over the world.

Architecture:
Milan Cathedral stands out for its imposing dimensions: it is the fifth largest church in the world and the largest in Italy.
Its structure has five naves, a transept and an octagonal apse.
The exterior is richly decorated with sculptures, statues and spiers, including the famous golden Madonnina on the main spire, 108.5 meters high.
Inside, the cathedral amazes with its brightness, given by the large windows, and with the harmony of its proportions.
Don’t miss a visit to the terraces of the Duomo, from which you can admire a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Milan.

Curiosity:
Milan Cathedral is made up of over 2,000 tons of pinkish white marble.
The cathedral houses 52 internal columns, 40 meters high.
The stained glass windows of the Duomo are a true work of art, with a total surface area of ​​over 45,000 square metres.
The Milan Cathedral is a monument not to be missed for any lover of art, history and religion. Its beauty and grandeur are breathtaking, and a visit is an unforgettable experience.

An architectural jewel of history, art and curiosity

History:
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, inaugurated in 1878, represents one of the most iconic symbols of Milan.
Designed by the architect Giuseppe Mengoni in an eclectic style, with neo-Renaissance and Art Nouveau influences, the Gallery was conceived as a luxury commercial passage, connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala.
The construction works, which began in 1865, lasted thirteen years and required the use of innovative engineering techniques, including the use of iron and glass.
The Gallery immediately became a point of reference for Milanese high society and a meeting place for artists, intellectuals and tourists.

Architecture:
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II stands out for its imposing iron and glass structure, which covers an area of ​​approximately 1,500 square meters.

The octagonal vault, 48 meters high, is a true engineering masterpiece and leaves visitors amazed with its play of light and shadow.
Two right-angled corridors wind inside the Gallery, flanked by shops, cafes and luxury restaurants.
The mosaic floors, marble decorations and elaborate golden frames give the Gallery an atmosphere of great elegance and refinement.

Address: Piazza del Duomo, 21, 20121 Milan MI, Italy
Tip: For a complete experience, I recommend you visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II both during the day and in the evening, when the atmosphere is even more evocative thanks to the lights. Don’t forget to take a break in one of its historic cafés to enjoy an aperitif or dessert.
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a place not to be missed for any lover of art, history and shopping. Its architectural beauty, its unique atmosphere and its rich history make it a true jewel in the heart of Milan.

History:
It is located in Milan, just outside the historic center, on an area already fortified in the 14th century.
Its construction as a real castle dates back to the 15th century, by Francesco Sforza, who became Duke of Milan.
Over the centuries, the Sforzesco Castle has undergone numerous modifications and expansions, becoming one of the main military citadels in Europe between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
Heavily damaged during the Second World War, the castle was the subject of an impressive restoration in the 20th century, which returned it to its ancient splendor.

Architecture:
The Sforza Castle appears as a fortified complex of considerable size, with an irregular quadrilateral plan and corner towers.
The main access is through the Porta del Filarete, a Renaissance masterpiece created by Francesco Sforza.
Inside the castle there are numerous courtyards, including the Cortile d’Armi, one of the largest in Europe.
Among the most important buildings, not to be missed are the Sala delle Armi, which houses a rich collection of weapons and armour, and the Sala delle Asse, decorated with frescoes by Leonardo da Vinci (note: the room is currently closed for restoration).
The castle is surrounded by a large park, Parco Sempione, one of the green lungs of Milan.

Curiosity:
The Sforzesco Castle has hosted various illustrious personalities over the centuries, including Ludovico il Moro and Leonardo da Vinci.
Inside the castle there are now numerous museums, including the Museum of Ancient Art, the Egyptian Museum and the Pinacoteca del Castello Sforzesco.
The Sforzesco Castle is one of the most visited monuments in Milan and is an ideal place for a walk through the history and culture of the city.

Useful information:
Address: Piazza Castello, 1, 20121 Milan MI, Italy
Hours: Open every day from 9:00 to 19:00 (last entry 18:00)
Tip: For a complete experience, we recommend purchasing a combined ticket which allows entry to multiple Castle museums.
[the information you find on our site may undergo changes that cannot be managed by us, we always advise you to consult the official sources of Castello Sforzesco]

History:
The Pinacoteca di Brera, located in the heart of Milan, boasts a rich history dating back to 1776.
Founded by Maria Teresa of Austria to house the art collection of the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, the Pinacoteca quickly established itself as one of the most important Italian art galleries.
Over the centuries, its collection has expanded thanks to acquisitions, donations and exchanges, becoming a true treasure of Italian art.

Exhibitions
The Pinacoteca di Brera houses one of the most important collections of Italian painting, with masterpieces ranging from the 14th to the 20th century.
Among the most famous names are Piero della Francesca, Andrea Mantegna, Raphael, Titian, Tintoretto, Caravaggio and Canaletto.
The collection also includes works by foreign artists, including Van Dyck, Rembrandt and Goya.
In addition to the permanent collection, the Pinacoteca di Brera regularly organizes temporary exhibitions dedicated to specific artistic periods, artists or themes.

Useful information:
Address: Via Brera, 28, 20121 Milano MI, Italy
Opening hours: Open every day from 8.30am to 7.00pm (last entry 6.30pm)
Closing day: Monday
Tip: For a complete experience, I recommend taking a guided tour or renting an audio guide. The Pinacoteca di Brera also offers educational workshops and activities for children and families.

Additional Information:
The Brera Art Gallery is accessible to disabled people.
Inside the museum there is a bookshop and a café.
You can book tickets online on the Pinacoteca di Brera website.
The Brera Art Gallery is an unmissable place for art and culture lovers. Its rich collection of masterpieces, its elegant architecture and its interesting temporary exhibitions make it one of the most important art galleries in Italy.
[the information you find on our site may undergo changes that cannot be managed by us, we always advise you to consult the official sources of the Pinacoteca di Brera]

City Life Milan:

A new face for the city between history, architecture and curiosity

History:
City Life Milano is located on an area of ​​approximately 350,000 square meters which once hosted the Milan Trade Fair.
The redevelopment project, which began in 2005, saw the creation of a modern and sustainable urban complex, which includes residences, offices, shops, a shopping centre, a park and the Dia Beacon Museum of Contemporary Art.
City Life Milan represents an example of high-level contemporary architecture and urban planning, and has contributed to giving a new face to the city of Milan.

Architecture:
The three skyscrapers of City Life Milan, designed by Zaha Hadid, Daniel Libeskind and Arata Isozaki, have become new symbols of the city.
The tallest skyscraper, the UniCredit Tower, with its 231 meters high, is the tallest skyscraper in Italy.
The buildings of City Life Milan stand out for their sinuous and futuristic shapes, and are made with eco-friendly materials and innovative technologies.
The City Life Milan park, designed by Gustafson Porter Landscape Architects, is a green oasis of approximately 78,000 square meters, which offers a place of relaxation and leisure to citizens.

Curiosity:
City Life Milan is the first neighborhood in Italy to have obtained LEED Platinum certification, which attests to its high environmental sustainability.
Inside the City Life Milan park there is the “White Tree”, a 35 meter high artificial tree, which represents a symbol of innovation and progress.
City Life Milan is a place frequented by people of all ages, and is often home to cultural events and demonstrations.
The neighborhood is well connected to the city center thanks to several subway and bus lines.

Useful information:
Address: Via Carlo Feltrinelli, 10, 20145 Milan MI, Italy
How to get there: Metro line M1 (M1 Lotto or M1 Domodossola station), bus lines 48, 57, 72, 80, 90, 98
Tip: For a complete experience, I recommend visiting City Life Milan both during the day and in the evening, when the atmosphere is even more evocative thanks to the lights. Don’t forget to climb the UniCredit Tower to admire the panoramic view of the city

City Life Milan is a place not to be missed for any lover of modern architecture, design and shopping. Its vitality, its beauty and its unique atmosphere make it a new pulsating center of the city of Milan.

[the information you find on our site may undergo changes that cannot be managed by us, we always advise you to consult the official sources]