The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20060318114935/http://www.europe-cities.com/milan-tourism.aspx

milan hotels by Europe-cities
Fountain in Milan, Photo by Nikita Golovanov
city
arrival date
days
guests
rooms
currency    
 
Europe HOTELS RESERVATION SYSTEM
Italy | Europe travel
 
MAP
HOTEL

map of milan
MAP OF MILAN  

Milan places


A fascinating walking tour to the principal sights of Milan is more than recommended to every tourist. The proximity of each of the monuments makes sightseeing much easier and less tiring.

Duomo is the Milan's biggest cathedral situated in the city's central square. It was built in the late-Gothic style by Gian Galeazzo Visconti in 1386, actually completed in 1960. The dome wonder features a forest of spires and statuary, marble pinnacles and pillars, all woven together with a web of flying buttresses. Above the altar there is a nail that is said to have come from Christ's cross. The view from the roof is truly excellent (open every day 7am - 7pm, admission is free of charge, wearing shorts and sleeveless T-shirts is unwelcome)


Vittorio Emanuele II Gallery - an extravagant glass-topped walking passage designed by the architect Mengoni, who occupied himself with refurbishing Piazza Duomo in the mid 19th century. His idea of a cover arcade turned out to be quite original. At the time, the gallery served as a traditional meeting place of bourgeoisie. Nowadays, it is the top shopping avenue with cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops and bookstores.


La Scala - a worldwide known opera house situated next door to the mentioned above Gallery. The classicistic building, first raised its curtain in 1778. Completely destroyed during the World War II, it was rebuilt and re-opened in 1946. The adjoining theatre museum boasts such curiosities as Verdi's death mask




Castello Sforzesco - a Renaissance fortification built in 15th century on initiative of the then governor Francesco Sforza. It is situated in a position that was once on the city walls. The castle houses a collection of modern museums that are well-stocked with impressive antiquities. The excellent sculpture collection includes Michelangelo's Pietá Rondanini. There are also paintings by Bellini, Tiepolo, Mantegna, Correggio, Titian and Van Dyck. In front of the castle there is a spectacular fountain dubbed 'wedding cake' for the shape created by the jets of water.


Santa Maria delle Grazie is famous for Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece Last Supper, but it has also has a spectacular apse and dome by Bramante, a peaceful courtyard with a charming 4-frog fountain at the top and several interesting chapels. It tends to be a quite attended place, so you'd better book your tickets unless you want to be left out in the cold.



Corso Vittorio Emanuele - the town's main thoroughfare with a great range of retail outlets running from the high fashion boutiques, to small shops, department stores, supermarkets, bookstores, discount outlets, and street markets. Extremely attractive by night!




The Brera district, around the like-named academy and gallery, was once the reign of artists. There is still a vast number of private galleries in Via Brera, Via del Carmine and Via Solferino, but these streets are now ideal for shopping. Via Fiori Chiari, Via Madonnina and Piazza del Carmine form another attractive pedestrian precinct with small, interesting shops, and in the evening the area is kept lively by virtue of the many bars and taverns.


San Lorenzo is a lovely building with an enormous heritage and history, but unfortunately most of the original structure was destroyed due to fires and catastrophes. The row of Attic-Corinthian Roman columns was built using materials taken from the former Ancient Roman building to enhance the visual effect of the church.



The Velasca Tower - an unusual and bold concept of a high-rise apartment building. The 345 foot tall skyscraper constructed from 1950-1958 is one of most famous and controversial building projects in Milan. Its form is reminiscent of mediaeval tradition and the need for space in an urban area: the offices are on the lower floors while living quarters occupy the top of the tower.

 

Places in Milan

Duomo

Vittorio Emmanuele II Gallery

La Scala

Castello Sforzesco

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Corso Vittorio Emmanuele

The Brera District

San Lorenzo

The Velasca Tower

 

Discover more than just Milan sights at Europe-Cities.com: Venice sightseeing | places to see in Rome | Milan sightseeing
Europe has a lot to visit: places to see in Geneva | Glasgow sightseeing | Helsinki sights


Contact us: | About us | FAQ | Site map | Partner sites
Copyright © 2004-2005 europe-cities.com
Contact our office: | E-mail our webmaster:
Comment our website here | Advertise your property!
Travel Europe – Europe City Breaks. London hotels. Accommodation in Rome. Paris lodging