Unlike so many cities and towns in Italy, Milan does not have the wealth of ancient ruins like Rome or an old city center like Florence. It is Italy’s business and fashion center — chic rather than attractive, a city of great wealth and the heart of the Italian economy.This doesn’t mean there’s nothing of note to see. On the contrary, Milan has a list of must-see sites and much, much more.
1. Duomo — Milan’s cathedral is the third largest in the world. Its ornate exterior gives way to a surprisingly sober interior. A real treat is a walk on the roof among a forest of flying buttresses, gargoyles and statues, and a magnificent view of all Milan.
2. Galleria Emanuelle II — A few paces from the Duomo is one of the world’s most famous shopping arcades, often called Milan’s drawing room. The city’s glitterati are attracted to its stylish shops, cafes and restaurants including Il Salotto, said to serve the finest coffee in all Milan. Stop by in late afternoon for “un caffe e biscotti” and spend some time just people watching.
3. La Scala — You may be able to attend a performance at the world’s most famous opera house if you get tickets far in advance. It would certainly be worth your while. Renowned for its excellent acoustics, the theater is actually a reconstruction of its original self after it was destroyed in World War II. Don’t miss La Scala’s museum with its vast collection of masks, costumes, scenery, musical instruments and scores.
4. Castello Sforzesco — Although much of this Renaissance building’s appearance is due to reconstruction at the turn of the century, many original features still remain. The forbidding exterior gives way to a series of graceful courtyards within. The castle also contains a fine collection of furniture, antiquities, paintings and sculptures.
5. Pinacoteca de Brera — The Palazzo di Brera houses Milan’s finest art collection. Here you’ll find examples of Renaissance and Baroque paintings as well as works by some of Italy’s most famous modern artists. In one place, you can experience the art of Italy through the centuries.
6. Quadrilatero — For fashion lovers or window shoppers, Milan’s fashion district boasts the famous fashion houses of Valentino, Versace, Armani, Gucci and Ferragamo among others. Italian style is a far cry from the flamboyant Paris fashion scene. Milan is more understated — well-cut suits, elegant accessories, chic but wearable shoes. If you’re lucky, you might be able to pick up a pair of Gucci shoes on sale for half price.
7. Santa Maria delle Grazie — Although Leonardo DaVinci’s The Last Supper is one of the world’s most famous paintings, most people don’t realize that it’s housed in this beautiful 15th Century Renaissance convent in Milan. This unfinished masterpiece has suffered much deterioration due to the way it was created. It is a treasure often missed because many people expect it to be at the Louvre in Paris along with his other masterpiece, the Mona Lisa.
