Walking Tour of Milan (Map and Route)

The Duomo Museum in Milan (Museum of the Duomo of Milan) is a museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing works originally from the cathedral itself. Located inside the Royal Palace, the museum offers a comprehensive tour that also includes the Church of San Gottardo in Corte.

The museum tour begins with the Cathedral Treasury, displaying a collection of liturgical objects such as pastoral items, gospel books, gilded and silver statues, and relics spanning from the 4th to the 19th century. Following this, visitors are taken through the rich history of the Duomo across the centuries, with exhibits featuring statues, stained-glass windows, paintings, tapestries, architectural models, terracottas, and plaster casts. Each artifact tells a part of the story of the Duomo’s construction, artistic evolution, and cultural significance, offering a deep dive into the legacy of one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks.

Visiting Palazzo Reale di Milano offers a captivating journey through Milan’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Located adjacent to the iconic Duomo, the Palazzo Reale, or Royal Palace, is a magnificent historical building that once served as the seat of the city’s government. Today, it functions as a premier cultural center and exhibition space, hosting a variety of high-profile art exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the grandeur of the building’s neoclassical architecture. The palace’s interior features opulent rooms adorned with intricate decorations, grand staircases, and beautifully restored frescoes. Each room tells a story, offering a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyles of Milanese nobility. The palace’s history dates back to the Middle Ages, with significant renovations in the 18th century under the direction of architect Giuseppe Piermarini, who infused it with neoclassical elegance.

One of the highlights of a visit to Palazzo Reale is its extensive art exhibitions, which often include works from renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Picasso. The exhibitions are thoughtfully curated, providing deep insights into various art movements and historical contexts. These temporary exhibitions rotate regularly, ensuring that each visit offers a new experience.

The palace also boasts a tranquil courtyard and a terrace that provides stunning views of the adjacent Duomo. This peaceful outdoor space is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a moment of reflection amid the vibrant cityscape of Milan.

The massive Cathedral of Santa Maria Nascente, known to the Milanese simply as “Il Duomo,” is one of the world’s largest and most magnificent churches, accommodating up to 40,000 people. It stands as the ultimate example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture. Construction began in the 14th century, but the façade wasn’t completed until the early 1800s under Napoleon’s direction.

Topping the roof are 135 intricately carved stone pinnacles, and the exterior boasts 2,245 marble statues. In stark contrast, the dim interior impresses with its 52 gigantic pillars. The cathedral’s nave features the largest stained-glass windows in the world, dating mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries, with the earliest located in the south aisle.

Notable highlights include the seven-branched bronze candelabrum by Nicholas of Verdun (circa 1200) in the north transept, the 16th-century tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici, and the jeweled gold reliquary of San Carlo Borromeo in the octagonal Borromeo Chapel off the crypt. Behind the high altar, the choir is adorned with deeply carved panels and misericords under the seats.

The south sacristy houses the treasury, with gold and silver works dating from the fourth to the 17th century. Walking on the roof of the cathedral is a remarkable experience, offering panoramic views of the city and, on clear days, extending to the snow-covered Alps. An elevator takes visitors up all but the last 73 steps to the dome’s platform.

At the front of the Duomo, near the central doorway, you can descend under Piazza del Duomo into the foundations of the Basilica di Santa Tecla (dating from the fourth to the seventh century) and the fourth-century baptistery, Battistero di San Giovanni alle Fonti, discovered during the construction of the Milan Metro.

The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stylish five-story mall, notable for its curved glass roof, iron framework, and opulent decorations featuring patriotic mosaics and statues. This impressive structure is a testament to the era of Italian unification, reflecting the country’s newfound self-confidence.

Constructed between 1865 and 1877 by architect Giuseppe Mengoni, who also designed the area between the Milan Cathedral and La Scala, the Galleria is named after Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy. Although officially inaugurated on September 15, 1867, it took another ten years to complete. Sadly, Giuseppe Mengoni died in an accident, falling from the top of the triumphal arch just a day before the project was finished in December 1877.

The Galleria is designed in the shape of a Latin cross, consisting of two glass-vaulted passages. The longer passage is 196 meters, while the shorter one is 105.5 meters. They intersect at an octagonal central piazza beneath an impressive glass dome that is 47 meters high and 36 meters wide. This innovative use of iron and glass was groundbreaking for 19th-century enclosed shopping malls and even inspired the design of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

One notable feature of the Galleria is its marble mosaic floor, adorned with the emblems of major Italian cities. It is believed that stepping on the image of the bull in the center of the floor with your right heel and spinning around brings good luck. This tradition has worn a hole in the floor over time.

Considered the world’s most prestigious opera house, Teatro alla Scala has hosted the music of all the great operatic composers and singers. Its audience, known for being the most discerning in Italy, can be a formidable crowd. The theater seats 2,800 people, and attending a performance is a coveted experience.

The opera season runs from early December through May, but obtaining tickets can be challenging. The best approach is to secure tickets through your hotel concierge, though it’s also worth checking availability at the box office.

Within the same building is the Museo Teatrale alla Scala, which houses a collection of costumes from iconic performances and personal artifacts of the legends who have performed at La Scala, including Verdi, Rossini, and the renowned conductor Arturo Toscanini.

When rehearsals are not in progress, the museum allows access to the opera house itself, offering a glimpse into one of the world’s most magnificent theaters.

Housed in an elegant old patrician residence, this art museum began in the 19th century as the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli and his mother, Rosa Trivulzio. The museum boasts masterpieces by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Mantegna, Piero della Francesca, and Guardí. In addition to paintings, the collection includes exquisite jewelry, silver, bronzes, porcelains, Etruscan pottery, armor, and weapons.

The textile collection features Flemish and Persian carpets, tapestries, an extensive array of hand-worked lace, and a rare embroidery designed by Botticelli.

The house itself is a highlight, with artworks and collections displayed in a mix of room settings and gallery spaces. Many rooms were redecorated in the mid-1800s specifically to showcase these collections. The Poldi-Pezzoli Museum is part of the Circuito delle Case Museo di Milano, or Milan Museum House Network, which allows visitors to access four historic house museums with a single ticket.

The Orto Botanico di Brera spans 5,000 square meters and is situated behind Palazzo Brera on Via Brera 28, right in the heart of Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Managed by the Istituto di Fisica Generale Applicata of the University of Milan, this botanical garden welcomes visitors on weekdays at no cost.

Originally established in 1774 by Abbot Fulgenzio Vitman under the patronage of Empress Maria Theresa of Austria, the garden was initially intended to support the studies of medicine and pharmacology for students. In 1998, after a period of neglect and deterioration, the garden underwent extensive restoration.

Today, visitors to the garden will find meticulously arranged rectangular flower-beds bordered with brick, complemented by 18th-century elliptical ponds. The garden also features a collection of structures including a specula and greenhouse dating back to the 19th century, which are now utilized by the Academy of Fine Arts. Notable botanical highlights include one of Europe’s oldest Ginkgo biloba trees, along with mature specimens of Firmiana platanifolia, Juglans nigra, Pterocarya fraxinifolia, and Tilia.

The Renaissance Palazzo di Brera, constructed between 1651 and 1773, originally served as a Jesuit college. Since 1776, it has housed the Accademia di Belle Arti (Academy of Fine Arts). This impressive building also contains the Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy’s premier art museums.

The museum’s collection grew significantly as churches closed or were demolished, leading to an extensive array of paintings by northern Italian masters. Upon entering through the courtyard, visitors are greeted by an 1809 monument to Napoleon I, crafted by the sculptor Canova.

The museum boasts a remarkable collection of 15th-century art, including works by Mantegna (Madonna in a Ring of Angels’ Heads and Lamentation). Venetian masters are well-represented with pieces by Giovanni Bellini (Lamentation and two Madonnas), Paolo Veronese, Titian (Count Antonio Porcia and St. Jerome), and Tintoretto (Finding of St. Mark’s Body and Descent from the Cross), along with portraits by Lorenzo Lotto and Giovanni Battista Moroni.

The gallery also features Lombard masters, disciples of Leonardo da Vinci, and artists of the Ferrarese school. Notable works by Correggio of Parma include a Nativity and an Adoration of the Kings. The Umbrian school is represented by Piero della Francesca (Madonna with Saints and Duke Federico da Montefeltro) and Bramante (eight frescoes Christ of the Column).

Raphael’s Marriage of the Virgin (Lo Sposalizio), considered the finest work of his early period, is the gallery’s most famous painting. The collection also includes masterpieces by foreign artists such as Rembrandt (portraits of women, including The Artist’s Sister), Van Dyck (Princess Amalia of Solms), Rubens (Last Supper), and El Greco (St. Francis).

The museum’s collection isn’t limited to old masters; it also features works by modern artists like Picasso, Braque, and Modigliani. A hidden gem within the Brera is the Orto Botanico di Brera, a charming botanical garden located in one of the inner courtyards. This tranquil oasis boasts exotic trees, pools, flower beds, and a 19th-century greenhouse, offering visitors a peaceful retreat amidst their art exploration.

The Castello Sforzesco, originally built in 1368 and rebuilt in 1450, was held by the Visconti and Sforza families who ruled Milan from 1277 to 1447 and from 1450 to 1535, respectively. The castle’s iconic 70-meter Torre de Filarete is a 1905 reconstruction of the original gate tower.

Today, the Castello Sforzesco houses the Musei del Castello Sforzesco, a collection of museums with diverse exhibits. One museum features an impressive sculpture collection, including Michelangelo’s last masterpiece, the Pietà Rondanini, which was relocated here in 1953 from the Palazzo Rondanini in Rome.

Other museums within the Castello Sforzesco offer a wide range of collections, including decorative art, prehistoric and Egyptian antiquities, a history of musical instruments, and an armory with medieval weapons and armor.

The castle’s picture gallery showcases works by renowned artists such as Bellini, Correggio, Mantegna, Bergognone, Foppa, Lotto, Tintoretto, and Antonello da Messina. Between the two rear courtyards, a passage leads into a park that was originally the dukes of Milan’s garden and later served as a military training ground. This transition from fortress to cultural hub makes the Castello Sforzesco a significant landmark in Milan’s rich history.

The English-style landscape of Parco Sempione offers a refreshing break from Milan’s stone and architecture. Here, you can wander along curving pathways and enjoy a peaceful setting frequented by walkers, joggers, local office workers on their lunch breaks, and parents with children. During the summer, the park comes alive with concerts.

At the park’s entrance stands the monumental Arco della Pace (Peace Arch), and towering above the park is the Torre Branca, designed by the renowned architect Gio Ponti in 1933. On a clear day, the tower provides spectacular views of Milan and the Alps. Additionally, if you’re an Art Nouveau enthusiast, don’t miss the whimsical aquarium pavilion located at the Via Gadio edge of the park.

Chiesa di San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore in Milan is like stepping into a vibrant tapestry of Renaissance art and history. As you enter the church, you’re immediately struck by the profusion of colors and intricate details that adorn every surface. The walls, ceilings, and pillars are covered with magnificent frescoes by renowned artists such as Bernardino Luini, Antonio Campi, and Simone Peterzano, depicting religious scenes with a captivating blend of realism and divine splendor. The division wall, once separating the nuns from the congregation, still stands, embellished with stunning frescoes of the Life of San Maurizio and the Adoration of the Magi. The visual feast continues with the vibrant stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of light across the richly decorated interior, making each visit a unique experience.

The church also offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere, perfect for both art enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual solace. Beyond its visual grandeur, the church holds a fascinating history, from its origins in Lombard times to its current role as both a place of worship and a concert hall. The presence of the 1554 Antegnati organ, with its beautifully preserved mechanics, adds to the historical ambiance. Exploring the “Aula delle Monache,” where the nuns once worshipped, reveals more breathtaking frescoes, including a starry sky and images of saints and angels.

The 8th-century Monastero Maggiore, which was once the most significant Benedictine convent in Milan, now houses the city’s archaeological museum. Visitors can access the museum via a cloister, where fragments of Milan’s Roman walls are on display. On the ground floor, rooms showcase important artifacts from Roman Mediolanum, while the upper floors offer well-curated collections that detail the city’s history through Etruscan, Greek, Gothic, and Lombard artifacts. In the garden, the 3rd-century frescoed Ansperto Tower serves as a historical marker delineating the limits of Mediolanum’s city walls.

The Gothic brick church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, located on Corso Magenta, was initiated around 1465. Its impressive six-sided dome, exemplifying the finest Early Renaissance style, was designed by Bramante, one of Italy’s most prominent Renaissance architects.

Both the church and the adjacent refectory, which houses Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, suffered significant damage during World War II. During the restoration, ancient sgraffito paintings in the dome were uncovered. At the end of the north aisle is the Baroque chapel of the Madonna delle Grazie, featuring an altarpiece of the Madonna.

However, the main draw for most visitors to Santa Maria delle Grazie is da Vinci’s iconic Last Supper, painted on the refectory wall of the former Dominican monastery. Known locally as the Cenacolo Vinciano, this masterpiece was created in tempera between 1495 and 1497. Unlike previous static depictions of Christ’s last meal with his disciples, da Vinci’s rendition is dynamic and dramatic, marking a significant evolution in art. Although the painting began to deteriorate before the room was damaged, it has undergone several restorations, with efforts to preserve it ongoing.

Access to view The Last Supper is highly regulated, requiring advance-timed tickets. An efficient way to visit this and other famous Milanese sites is through a Milan Half-Day Sightseeing Tour, which includes a 3.5-hour walking tour covering major attractions, admission to La Scala, and an entrance ticket to The Last Supper.

Palazzo Imperiale di Massimiano, also known as the Imperial Palace of Maximian, is a significant historical site located in Milan, Italy. Constructed during the late Roman period, around the 3rd century AD, it served as a residence and administrative center for the Roman Emperor Maximian. The palace complex boasted impressive architectural features, including grand halls, courtyards, and decorative elements typical of Roman imperial architecture. Today, it stands as a testament to Milan’s rich Roman history and is a popular destination for tourists and history enthusiasts.