This ultimate 1-day guide to Milan, Italy is all you need to plan a perfect trip to the city! Here is a list of the top things to do and see!
Duomo Milan Cathedral
Put on your most comfortable walking shoes and start the day in the middle of the city at Duomo Milan Cathedral. The cathedral of Milan, better known as the Duomo of Milan, is an impressive church that has five naves (or halls). While one is central, the other four are lateral. Additionally with about forty pillars, also crossed by a transept followed by the choir and the apse. The central nave has a height of 147 feet.
The construction of the Duomo of Milan took over 5 centuries, beginning in 1386 and ending in 1965. During this time, many different architects, sculptors, and artists made their professional contributions to the famous “Fabbrica del Duomo” (Cathedral Factory). The factory was an institution composed of 300 employees led by the architect Simone da Orsenigo. Given the exclusive use of the marble from the quarry of Candoglia, which is still used in the cathedral today.
In 1389, the Frenchman Nicolas de Bonaventure was appointed chief architect giving the cathedral a strong Gothic imprint. The exterior of the Cathedral is covered in pink and white marble as well as the top finishes; with an infinity of pinnacles and towers crowned by statues that contemplate the city. Giuseppe Perego sculpted a golden copper statue in 1774. It was located at the highest point of the temple and is known as the Madonnina which became the symbol of Milan.
The Duomo in Milan is one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the world.
To visit and to avoid the long lines that are almost always present at the entrance; I recommend the reservation of an entry ticket or a group guided tour.
You can choose your ticket to include: the Duomo of Milan, the Crypt of St. Charles, the Archaeological Area, the Duomo Museum, the Church of St. Gotthard, and the Terraces of the Duomo (ascent by elevator).
Shopping Gallery
An easy walk from the Duomo is Milan’s most famous shopping gallery! The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and a major landmark of Milan in Italy. Galleria is housed within a four-story double arcade in the center of town, the Galleria is named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy. Notice all the shops within the Gallery have gold lettering with a black background – a requirement to occupy the space. Take a stroll through the Galleria and stop by Prada, Louise Vuitton, or Gucci all while you admire the stunning glass-covered ceiling. Grab a coffee or a gelato in the stunning and picturesque restaurants.
Can you spot the tiled mosaic that depicts a bull that is reared up on his hind legs? The tradition is that if a person puts their right heel on the bull’s testicular region and “turn on himself three times,” which is to actually rotate backward, or counterclockwise, this will bring good luck.
Castello Sforzesco
Another amazing sight in Milan is the Castle! The Castello Sforzesco was used as a medieval fortification. Built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe.
Over the centuries, the Castle had many masters, before the Unification of Italy. Not only Milanese families like the Sforza, but also very important foreign governors, such as Emperor Charles V and Napoleon Bonaparte. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Milanese had conflicting feelings toward the Castle. The reason was that over centuries it became the military base of invading armies that had attacked the citizens even firing from the towers of the fortress. It was decided not to destroy the building and to renovate it to the shape of the Sforza era. After further restoration after the bombings of World War II, the Castle became the seat of the Modern Art Gallery (until 1920) and the School of Applied Engineering Art (until 1999).
The complex now houses a beautiful Art Gallery, the Archaeological Museum (divided into Prehistoric Museum and Egyptian Museum), various exhibitions, libraries, and archives. Finally, the ancient Piazza d’Armi is now occupied by the Parco del Sempione, one of the largest green areas in Milan. Inside there is not only a great variety of flowers and plants but also a library and a little lake.
To visit this marvel of architecture, the entrance to the Sforza Castle is free. But, you can buy the entrance ticket to the Sforza Castle Museums in combination with the Audio Guide of the city of Milan.
Last Supper
As you make your way to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper, stop by his vineyards! Recently opened as an exhibit, Leonardo’s Vineyard is reborn, on the occasion of the 2015 Expo. Walk through Leonardo’s former vineyard with grapes replanted in their 15th-century patterns!
Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco: Last Supper is a must-see in Milan! I highly recommend booking a guide to get the full experience! Learn its fascinating history from a guide as you enter the ancient monastery.
Stay near the Duomo
If you are looking for a hotel stay in Milan, there are plenty to choose from! The Park Hyatt Milan is in a great central location in the city. With a number of rooms to choose from, each has complimentary Wifi!
Nothing compares to the Italian food you will eat in Italy! And there are thousands of restaurants to choose from! I highly recommend stopping by Marchesi 1824 for delicious coffee and pastries! If you are looking for something savory, try a panzerotti! A panzerotti is a savory dough pouch that is filled and fried! Check out Luini’s for the most delicious panzerotti in town!
From Milan, you can choose between several day trips or head to Rome for more adventures!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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