I just love going to Milan every often and bask in the culture of Italian glory. If you ever happen to be going to Italy please do not overlook this amazing city and I’m sure you won’t regret it. A trip here will change your life completely.
In the summer of 2016, I was lucky to get to visit this city in Lombardy. Tucked away in northern Italy, Milan is the fashion and financial capital of the country. This city is filled with great food, amazing people, and a spectacular historical comfort. I was there for 2 weeks and I still haven’t forgotten that trip. I made some friends there who are my best friends today. I am and always shall be thankful for them to come into my life and help me get comfortable in this Italian city.
Unlike the dreamscape Tuscany or Capital city of Rome, Milan is a modern big city with the comfort and peace of an old Roman town. Dotted with the best fashion retailer stores and mouthwatering food breathtaking basilica, museums and sentinels, this place truly has it all.
So here I’ve compiled a list of some places you must visit in Milan and without them, your trip is incomplete.
Must visit places in Milan
- Duomo di Milano: Milan’s Duomo also known as Milan Cathedral is a beautiful place. It is filled with ancient statues each of which has a story to tell. It’s a gothic style cathedral and the fifth largest cathedral in the world today. This pink-hued white marble wonder was constructed in 1386. There are a lot of breathtaking things here that’ll surely take you by surprise and one of them is the sundial. As you enter through the door you’ll see that there is a sundial on the floor and as the rays of sunlight shine on it from the opposite direction it marks Summer solstice or winter solstice, according to the position of the sun. This was previously used by astrologers and astronomers to predict the time and calendar. Another interesting thing not to be missed here is the arched part above the alter called apse which has a red bulb. This is the spot where one of Jesus Christ’s nails of crucifixions was placed allegedly. Every year on Saturday near the time of September 14 the archbishop goes up there with a wooden basket of angels to retrieve the nail back. It is again replaced back over there on Monday. Its one of the most interesting cultural experiences I’ve ever witnessed in Milan.
- Fiera Milano: This is the largest exhibition or trade fair you’ll ever see in the world. It is located near the city centre. You have to visit this place if you are a shopaholic. From latest fashions to boutiques to exquisite lamps and home décor items, you get everything here. It is a huge space with extremely joyful people around, who’ll inspire you to a new way of living!
- Santa Maria Delle Grazie Milan: You just cannot leave Milan without a trip to this Catholic wonder. This architectural wonder is made with amazing optical illusions, that’ll trick you at every step here. It has the fresco made by Leonardo Da Vinci, ‘The Last Supper’ displayed inside the refectory. It has been carefully preserved over centuries to display the wonderful history and fable of Gospel of John attached to it, where Jesus had announced that one of his apostles shall betray him the next day and all his twelve apostles were in shock. The optical illusions used in this painting speak highly of the masterpiece that Da Vinci was. I just love this painting, how it was so ahead of its time, how it spoke of mathematical, astrological, astronomical and of course psychological issues of even today. The church is small but very beautiful. It has many paintings from the titan’s disciples and one from the titan-‘The Martyrdom of St.Peter of Verona’ which will take you to the pre-renaissance time and fill your hearts with history, culture, and pride of the Italians.
- Teatro Alla Scala: This is a globally renowned opera house in Milan. Here composers like Rossini, Puccini and Verdi have performed. Known as La Scala in Italian, is a famous place and the perfect spot to witness the best of opera music of Italy. The Museo Teatrale Alla Scala is the La Scala theatre museum. It houses spectacular paintings, articles, statues, and costumes of La Scala's history. This fabulous building should definitely be on your list as it takes you back to an age filled with an occidental culture designed with grandeur.
- Pinacoteca di Brera: This is a picture gallery in Milan. The Palazzo Brera has a rich history associated with it. This was built by Napoleon, who was a great appreciator of good art; hence this place houses the best of the paintings you’ll ever witness. Although we generally think of Venice or Florence that has the best paintings of Italy you will get awestruck by seeing the paintings in Pinacoteca di Brera. It has paintings some of the genius master painters of Italy. From Raphael to Tintoretto to modern painters like Picasso, housing both generations under one roof this place has it all. Some of the best paintings You just have to appreciate here are , “Discovery of body of St. Mark” painted by Tintoretto, “Marriage of the Virgin” by Raphael, “Supper at Emmaus” by Caravaggio, “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez, considered as the epitome of romantic paintings in Italy. Each Painting has descriptions written in Italian and English for the conveniences of its visitors. Whether you like Italian paintings or not, either way, this is like no other gallery and are sure to take you by surprise.
- Sant’ Ambrogio Basilica: Ambrose basilica is one of the most ancient churches located in Milan. Your Milan trip is absolutely incomplete without visiting this place. This was built in honor of all the Christians who martyred during Roman persecutions. Hence sometimes it is also referred to as Martyr’s basilica. It houses a lot of interesting exhibits of Roman history that’ll take you back in time. This basilica is located in the center of Milan and is easily accessible by trains.
A trip to this city shall be worth your time as you’ll see no city like Milan. Go to Milan for a week filled with fun, food, and adventures cultural trip.
image source: luxxu.net