LUXURIOUS ART & ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES OF MILAN
The attractions of Milan, from its gothic Duomo to the contemporary Fondazione Prada, and the elegant Villa Necchi Campiglio, offer a plethora of reasons to explore the city's cobblestone streets, vibrant neighborhoods and fashion-minded nightlife.
TOP CULTURAL SIGHTS IN CENTRAL MILAN
BIBLIOTECA AMBROSIANA - This early 17th c. library's intricate mosaic floors will compete for your attention with the gorgeous art and vast collection of ancient manuscripts, among them: da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus - 1,000 pages of his drawings and ideas.
CASTELLO SFORZESCA - A walk through the castle's galleries gives you the chance to see and explore up high the fortress' walls. A bit forbidding at first glance, as in, "do I really want to go in?" but do, because Castello Sforzesca is fascinating and fun.
DUOMO - The Duomo's scale is almost impossible to grasp - it is in fact the third largest church in the world. From the soaring stone interiors to a facade and roof covered in sculpture, it is an inspiring wonder of architecture, art and engineering.
FONDAZIONE PRADA - The fashion family has taken a former industrial complex and turned it into a super-cool campus of contemporary art and ideas. The center's charismatic Cafe Luce was designed by the filmmaker Wes Andersen.
GALLERIA EMANUELE II - As urban design goes, this 19th c. ornate, glass-covered passageway is at the top of the world's list for most elegant. In addition to its boutiques visit the famed Pasticerria Marchesi for colorful dream-like desserts, and Prada's Osservatorio Gallery for an art exhibition.
PINACOTECA DI BRERA - Milan's main art museum is laid-out perfectly so you won't misee a thing. The galleies are filled with masterpieces by Titian, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Lotto, Bellini and Tiepolo among others.
STAZIONE CENTRALE - Think Grand Central Station... on steroids. Built during Mussolini's rule, this monumental rail station is covered in white marble and sculpture to reinforce the power of the society.
VILLA NECCHI CAMPIGLIO - The chic modern interiors and architecture of this 1930's palazzo were designed for a metal baron by the Italian architect, Piero Portaluppe. You may recognize it from the 2009 film "I Am Love." The garden has an inviting cafe.
Milan's most famous artwork, da Vinci's "THE LAST SUPPER" is at the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie. And don't miss seeing the facade of Casa degli Omenoni (shown above, left) - it's famous for the eight gigantic sculpted figures guarding its entrance. Omenoni means "big men."
MILAN'S MAIN PARKS
GIARDINI PUBBLICI - perfect for strolling its hilly grounds where you'll come upon statuary, ponds and flowering sculpted trees.
ORTO BOTANICO DI BRERA - a lovely botanical garden located on the grounds of the Pinacoteca di Brera.
PARCO SEMPIONE - Milan's largest park has a broad promenade that begins at the gates of Castello Sforza and ends at the Arco della Pace.
And of course, there is LA SCALA. Tours of the venerable opera house are available, but why not plan an evening to experience a performance in this world-famous theatre.
SEE THE RED MAP MILAN
