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SIGHTSEEING

The Duomo
The most outstanding example of Gothic-Lombard architecture, the Duomo dates back to 1300. It was built on the wishes of Gian Galeazzo Visconti. This imposing religious building (it was the largest church in Christendom until St. Peters in Rome was built), has almost 3500 statues that are spread over an area of almost 12,000 square meters. The tallest spire, which has the famous "Madonnina" on top of it, is 108 meters high. The "Madonnina" (the statue of the Virgin Mary) is covered in 3900 pieces of gold leaf. The Duomo Cathedral is open from 7.00 until 19.00. Admission free. Remember, particularly in the summer season, that you will not be allowed access inside the Cathedral if you are wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or other skimpy dress not in keeping with the decorum of the location. Likewise, don't take in ice-creams, soft drinks and so forth. Photography, with or without flash, inside the building is not officially permitted (though a lot of visitors take photographs regardless, and the Cathedral curators don't seem to mind). If there is a mass going on, try not to disturb the congregation. Switch off your mobile phones when inside!
Metro: Line 1 and 3, Duomo stop

Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio
This is the symbol of Milans religiousness. It was built in 379 A.D. in the Romanesque-Lombard style, and was consecrated by the famous Bishop Ambrogio, who lent his name to the Ambrosian Church. Inside there are valuable artefacts and works of art that tell the story of about 1600 years of Milans history.
Metro: Line 2, S. Ambrogio stop

Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio
A wonderful medieval religious building that was built at the beginning of the fourth century on the wishes of the Bishop Eustorgio who brought the remains of the wise kings here from Constantinople that can still be seen in the Chapel bearing their name today.
Metro: Line 1 and 3, Duomo stop + tram #3, S.Eustorgio stop

Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore
This wonderful basilica, located opposite the Roman columns that are the only remains of a third-century temple, includes many different architectural styles, due to the various renovations that the building has undergone. The main elements are Paleochristian (for example the mosaics) but other more recent styles also stand out, including ones from 1600 (the dome) to 1800 (the façade).
Metro: Line 1 and 3, Duomo stop + tram #3, Ticinese-Carrobbio stop

Santa Maria delle Grazie and Leonardo's Last Supper
This church was built in the second half of the fifteenth century. It was only completed years later by "il Bramante" on the wishes of Ludovico il Moro. The famous architect designed the wonderful apse, the cloisters and the old sacristy. The church houses in its refectory, Leonardo's Last Supper probably the most famous fresco of the world.

The Last Supper
Piazza Santa Maria delle Grazie 2 Milan 20123.
Tel: (+39) 02 89421146
Open: Tues-Sun 8.15am-6.45pm
Visitors must book weeks or even months in advance; viewing time is limited to 15 minutes, and groups are kept to a maximum of 25 (to keep down the temperature).


Teatro alla Scala
The historic Teatro alla Scala, built at the end of the 1700s over the remains of the Church of Santa Maria della Scala, reopened on 7th December 2004 after restoration operations that had been going on for some years. Some of the greatest names in opera, such as Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Puccini and Giuseppe Verdi have made their debuts in this theatre which is still considered to be the temple of world class opera today. 7th December is the traditional date for the opening of the Scala season, because it is the day dedicated to Sant'Ambrogio, patron saint of the city. On that day tickets are very expensive and hard to obtain as many politicians and celebrities attend the event. During the whole theatre season, it is possible to see operas, ballets and concerts.
Dress code at La Scala: black tie/dark suit for first nights, otherwise suit tie. No children under 6, no photography, video, cell phones, tape recorders etc.
The Theatre has also a museum which houses Verdi memorabilia, posters, costumes, stage designs, portraits of famous opera singers, a small collection of musical instruments and gramophone records. The visit includes a peep into the theatre itself, as long as there are no rehearsals going on.
Metro: Line 1 and 3, Duomo stop
For Information on seating availability and guidelines for purchasing subscriptions and tickets:

  • Tel: (+39) 02 72003744 (every day from 9 am to 6 pm. In the event of evening performances, open until 8 pm)
  • Website

Castello Sforzesco
The Sforzesco Castle, built for purely defensive reasons by Galeazzo II Visconti around 1368, is one of the most famous monuments in Milan and it has seen long historical vicissitudes during the past years. It was demolished, then rebuilt several times, embellished and restored to become a symbol of both happy and dramatic events that are to be found in the historical background of the city. Its reconstruction was carried out by the famous architect Luca Beltrami who, starting in 1893 brought the Castello back to its former model.
Among the many interesting centres of attractions of the castle, it is worthwhile mentioning the impressive Tower of Filarete, the huge Piazza dArmi Courtyard, the Rocchetta Courtyard and the small Courtyard of the Fountain.
Opening hours: daily from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
free admission (except for castle museums)
Closed on: December 25, January 1, May 1, and August 15
Metro: Line 1, Cadorna, Cairoli stops Line 2 Cadorna, Lanza stops
For info:

Meazza Stadium
The Meazza Stadium (informally known as San Siro) is home of the two Serie A (premier league) teams AC Milan and FC Inter: The towering heights of the stadium, the coloured flares and roars of the particularly fanatical fans all make for a fantastic introduction into the exciting world of Italian soccer. For match schedules, ticket info and more you can check directly the teams official websites:

For those who are real soccer enthusiasts, the Museum inside the stadium (entrance on gate 21) is worth a visit. It is the first (and only one) museum of this kind in Italy and it houses 24 life-size statues of Milan and Inter heroes (including Gullit, Rijkaard, Liedholm, Rivera, Van Basten, Mazzola, Suarez, Matthaus, Meazza, Rumenigge) made by the Viareggio Carnival papier-mâché artists. Projections of match actions available as well as a visit to the stadium.
Open: every day from 10 to 17 (opening times may vary on match days)
Metro: Line 1, Lotto stop.Via Piccolomini, 5.
For info:

Last modified 01/09/2023 - 14:46:53