There is so much to see in the eclectic capital of Lombardy from its fashion scene to majestic museums, churches, monuments and glassy vertical towers.
What to Do
The most obvious thing to do in Milan is to follow in Leonardo Da Vinci’s footsteps, whose imprint is felt all across the city and highly visible in church paintings, as well as, museum art galleries, sculptures and codexes.
The famous Last Supper painting is here, and is a must see even if you’re not into religion.
Tourist Map
You’ll find all of Milan’s most important religious sites, museum and art galleries in the tourist map below, along with the city’s:
- landmarks and places to visit
- shopping and entertainment areas
- parks and green spaces
- nearby theme parks and sporting areas
Religious Sites
You’ll find artistic churches and monasteries throughout Milan, with some like Il Duomo, simply towering over the city of wondrous rooftop views. Within the walls of the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie is where you’ll find Da Vinci’s Last Supper while the walls and ceilings of the San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore are a living mural.
The columned courtyard of the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio and the steel door and skulls found in the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa offer a momento mori. While the medeival looking Church of San Cristoforo sul Naviglio with its canal bridge makes for postcard perfect photos.
More religious murals await at the Certosa di Milano, St. Fedele Church, Santa Maria degli Angeli, Santa Maria del Carmine Church, and the Santa Maria presso San Satiro including a wonderful optical illusion.
While the architechture and vaulted ceilings of the Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore, Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio along with the columned courtyard of Abbazia di Chiaravalle provide gorgeous backdrops to a vast history.
Museums
If you seek out Leonard’s Codex, you’ll find more clues at the Pinacoteca Ambrosian. Science buffs will enjoy the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia, while engineers will go insane with envy at the Il Mondo di Leonardo (Leonardo3).
Archeologists would enjoy the Museo Civico Archeologico, as well as the Civico Museo di Storia Naturale where it’s kid-friendly and dinosaurs roam free. If silent thought is more your thing, then the Dialogo nel Buio will lead you away from blinding light, while the Civico Planetario Ulrico Hoepli will quietly lead an astronomer to the source.
The elegant decorations and exhibits found in the Casa Degli Atellani, Bagatti Valsecchi Museum, Villa Necchi Campiglio and the Museo Teatrale alla Scala are good for rainy days. While sport lovers, and crazed European football fans can find glory in the winning history found in Casa Milan.
Art Galleries
The artwork found in the Pinacoteca di Brera, as well as the Gallerie d’Italia are absolutely stunning while the Palazzo Reale is more big than bountiful.
The sculptures at the Museo Poldi Pezzoli, and the Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano, pale in comparison to the size of the those found in the Pirelli HangarBicocca. While the contemporary art at the Museo del Novecento can also lead you wordless or simply confused.