Top 10 Things To Do in Milan, Italy

Milan is rich in history, arts, and fashion.  It's a beautiful city with many historical sights, art galleries, and museums.  It's also home to delicious Milanese cuisine. Discover the best 10 Things To Do in Milan!

Quick Facts about Milan

• Milan is a city in northern Italy.  It's the capital of the Lombardy region.
• Milan is the second most populated city in Italy, after Rome.
• Milan is famous for being one of the fashion capitals of the world, along with Paris, New York City, and London.
• Milan is home to some of the most important museums and art collections, including the works of Leonardo Da Vinci.
• The city is a major tourist destination with millions of tourists visiting Milan every year.

History highlights

• Milan used to be the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 286 to 402.
• Napoleone della Torre (an Italian nobleman) had ruled Milan from 1265 until 1277 when he was ousted by the Visconti.
• The House of Visconti (an Italian noble dynasty in the Middle Ages) had ruled Milan from 1277 to 1447.
• The House of Sforza acquired the Duchy of Milan from the Visconti family in the middle of the 15th century.  The House of Sforza was a ruling family of Renaissance Italy.
• Francesco I Sforza had founded the Sforza dynasty in Milan, Italy, and had ruled Milan as the Duke of Milan from 1450 to 1466.

10 Things To Do in Milan

1. Duomo

Milan Cathedral is the largest church in Italy.  This Roman Catholic church is built in the Italian Gothic style. Duomo is the fourth largest church in the world after St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, The Cathedral Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady Aparecida in Brazil, and Seville Cathedral in Spain.

The construction of the cathedral began in the 14th century.

 

Piazza del Duomo is the main square and the center of Milan.  The piazza is surrounded by several historic buildings.  The important buildings around the Piazza include the Duomo, the arcade of The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Royal Palace.

In the center of the piazza is The Monument to King Victor Emmanuel II.  This equestrian statue is impressive in its size.

2. Sforza Castle

Francesco I Sforza had founded the Sforza dynasty in Milan, Italy, and had ruled Milan as the Duke of Milan from 1450 to 1466.  Francesco I Sforza built the Sforza castle in the 15th century.    Currently, the castle is home to several museums and art collections.

The central tower of the castle is known as Torre del Filarete of Castello Sforzesco.  The tower was designed by Filaret, a Florentine Renaissance architect.

3. Royal Palace of Milan

The Royal Palace of Milan is located near the Duomo Cathedral opposite the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.   In the middle centuries, the Royal Palace used to be the seat of the government.   Currently, the palace is home to cultural exhibitions.

4. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a busy shopping mall in Milan, Italy set in a historical building.  It was built between 1865 and 1867.   The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a four-story arcade located in the middle of the city, close to Duomo Cathedral and across from the Royal Palace of Milan.

The Galleria is a popular place in Milan.  It houses many shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars.

5. Teatro Alla Scala

Teatro Alla Scala also known as La Scala is an opera house in Milan, Italy.   It's considered one of the most important opera houses in the world.  Many famous opera singers and artists from Italy and around the world have performed at La Scala.

Piazza della Scala is located next to the opera house.   The monument of Leonardo Da Vinci is located in the center of Piazza della Scala.

6. Museo Teatrale alla Scala

La Scala Theatre Museum is part of the opera house.  The museum has a collection of paintings, costumes, statues, and other exhibits related to La Scala and the history of opera in Italy.

 

7. Santa Maria delle Grazie

Santa Maria delle Grazie is a Roman Catholic church in Milan.   The church dates back to the 15th century.  The nave (the central part of a church) was built in a Gothic style.  The apse and the dome of the church are completed in the Renaissance architectural style.

This church is famous for housing the mural of The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci.

8. Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio

Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio is a Roman Catholic church built in Romanesque architectural style in Milan.  The church was originally built in the 4th century.  It's one of the most ancient churches in Milan.

It was rebuilt in the 12th century in Romanesque style.

9. Cimitero Monumentale

The Monumental Cemetery is one of the largest cemeteries in Milan and is notable for many impressive tombs and monuments.  The monuments include classic Italian sculptures, obelisks, Greek temples, modern monuments.

10. Milan's Central Station Area

Milan's Central Station if the city's main railway station.  The station is housed in an impressive structure opened in 1931.

The nearby area around the Milano Centrale is packed with hotels and restaurants.  In front of the station is Piazza Duca d’Aosta.  Nearby streets are also busy with restaurants, bars, and shops.