Although Milan is not Italy’s most picturesque city, there is plenty to see, if only by the elegantly dressed crowds that move through the Lombardy capital every day.
Top 10 tourist attractions Milan
1. The Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie Church
The Santa Maria delle Grazie Church is the most visited tourist attraction in Milan. The main reason for this is Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous fresco, “The Last Supper”. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is highly recommended to reserve a visit to the church (and especially the fresco) in advance.
2. Duomo (Cathedral)
The Duomo of Milan is, after Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Last Supper”, Milan’s biggest tourist attraction. The roof of this cathedral is filled with hundreds of sculptures and also offers a great view of the Piazza del Duomo and the rest of the city. It is the second largest basilica in the world after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
3. Castello Sforzesco
The Castello Sforzesco is a 14th century castle in Piazza Castello. The salons around the castle’s courtyard house a number of museums, displaying works by famous artists like Bramante and Leonardo Da Vinci. One of the towers used to house falcons.
4. La Scala Opera House
The Teatro La Scala is Italy’s most famous opera house and among the most prestigious in the world. It was built towards the 18th century on the site of a former church. The last restoration was completed in 2004. There is also a museum with, among other things, antique musical instruments attached.
5. Sant’Ambrogio Basilica
The Sant’Ambrogio Basilica is located in the south-eastern part of the city centre and is one of the main tourist attractions of the city. The basilica is dedicated to the city’s saint and was already built in the 4th century. There is also a small museum attached to this church.
6. Brera Pinacotheque
The most famous museum of Milan is the Pinacoteca Brera, where you can see paintings of masters such as Raphael. It is located in an old monastery.
7. Football stadium (Meazza/San Siro)
San Siro/Meazza: Not every city has two football clubs that have won the Champions League. When Inter play at home the stadium is called Meazza, when Milan are the hosts it is renamed San Siro.
8. Piazza Mercanti
The Piazza Mercanti is a medieval square, now only accessible to pedestrians, and used to be the commercial and political centre of Milan.
9. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
A paradise for shopaholics (but only those with lots of money). Built in the 19th century, shortly after the unification of Italy, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II houses one elegant boutique after another.
10. Quadrilatero d’Oro
Even more shopping: The Quadrilatero d’Oro is a district with only famous shops, from Prada to Armani to Chanel.