LUXURIOUS ART & ARCHITECTURAL TREASURES OF MILAN
The attractions of Milan, from the gothic Duomo to the contemporary Fondazione Prada and super-chic Villa Necchi, 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 its gorgeous art and vast collection of ancient manuscripts, among them: da Vinci's Codex Atlanticus - 1,000 pages of his drawings and ideas.
CASTELLO SFORZA - 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, Castello Sforza is fascinating.
DUOMO - The Duomo's scale is almost impossible to grasp - it is 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 head-spinning 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 picture gallery is filled with artworks by Titian, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Lotto, Bellini and Tiepolo.
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 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 Palazzo Casa deglie Omenoni (shown above, left). Its facade has eight gigantic sculpted figures guarding its entrance. Omenoni means "big men."
MILANS PUBLIC GARDENS
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 with a wonderful broad promenade beginning at the gates of Castello Sforza and ending at the Arco della Pace.
SEE THE RED MAP MILAN
