Top 10 Things To Do In Milan

Both the spiritual heart of the city and one of the most prominent features of Milan, Il Duomo is the world's largest gothic cathedral. Its cavernous interior is rich in colourful frescoes, spires and some 3000 statues. Visitors can explore its underground burial chambers and crypt and view a fabulous display of religious art at the adjacent museum.

This most famous of paintings is the pride and joy of Milan. It can be found at the Santa Maria delle Grazie and da Vinci's biblical masterpiece attracts visitors in their hundreds daily. Tickets to view this iconic work are difficult to come by but well worth the effort for a once in a lifetime viewing of an era defining painting.

This red brick 15th century fortress stands proudly over Milan, yet is a popular attraction with visitors as much for its three inspiring museums as for the castle itself. It exhibits awe inspiring archaeological finds from across Italy, ceramics, furniture and sculpture and its most famous works by such luminaries as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

 

Any Milan short break should visit this world renowned institution whether interested in opera or not. La Scala is the foremost opera house in the world and a visit will soak up all its colourful heritage and glamorous atmosphere. It hosts world class opera and ballet performances that are impossibly popular with visitors to the city. Its atmospheric museum has extensive exhibitions of its illustrious past devoted to the works of Verdi, Puccini and Rossini.

 

A Milan city break that coincides with the celebrated spring or autumn fashion weeks will delight trend setters and fashion fans that can treat themselves to a few days of unadulterated glitz and glamour. Contrary to popular belief, some events and catwalk shows are accessible to the public and provide an unforgettable spectacle. The whole city turns on the style at this time with elegantly dressed beautiful people mixing with locals and tourists alike in a real carnival atmosphere.

 

The Brera is one of Milan's most elegant galleries and noted for its collections of Venetian and local Lombard masters including works by Bellini and Raphael. It features a fabulous statue of Napoleon in the front courtyard and devotes much gallery space to exotic art treasures amassed by the French Emperor during his conquests.

 

The home of the Italian Formula 1 Grand Prix and the base for the Ferrari motor racing team, the Monza circuit is a magnet for motor racing fans worldwide. It hosts exciting racing through Spring and Summer culminating in the Italian Grand Prix in September. A race day is an amazing occasion of high octane thrills that is sure to excite all. Visitors can relive past glories with a behind the scenes tour of the pits and grandstand or even test drive a car on the hallowed race track.

 

Dedicated in honour of Milan's patron saint, the St Ambrosia Basilica is the one of the oldest buildings in the city dating back to the 9th century. It is a beautifully asymmetrical Romanesque design with a spacious interior that displays many quirky features quite unique for an Italian church. In its south wing is the atmospheric, austere Chapel of St Victor which was constructed back in the 4th century and contains several important religious relics.

 

This renowned museum was named after its founder and main benefactor who helped amass an amazing collection of artworks, furnishings and military items across Italy and Europe. Notable exhibits include the famous 'portrait of a lady' and works by Boticelli. It has arguably the most variety of art and historical items under one roof of any museum in Milan.

 

An incredibly popular holiday destination in its own right, the gorgeous Lake Como is easily reached from central Milan in just over 1 hour. It makes for a relaxing day away in tranquil and utterly beautiful natural surroundings. The undulating banks of the lake are dotted with exquisite historic villas punctuating dense woodland. Boating, fishing and watersports are popular and the perfect way to unwind and get close to nature.