Tour guides Italy > Milan

5 ideas for guided tours in Milan

• The Duomo di Milano, the emblematic cathedral

  

  The Duomo is the emblematic cathedral of Milan. Located in Piazza del Duomo, the Duomo is an architectural gem that took more than five centuries to build.

  This Gothic cathedral is one of the largest religious buildings in the world, measuring 157 meters long and 109 meters high. The façade is covered with white marble and decorated with more than 3,500 statues, gargoyles and other decorative elements. The interior of the cathedral is equally impressive, with colorful stained glass windows, frescoes and sculptures.

  The Duomo is considered one of the greatest examples of Gothic architecture in Italy and is one of the most visited monuments in the city. For the more courageous, it is possible to climb to the top of the cathedral to admire the panoramic view of the city.
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• The Victor Emmanuel II Gallery

  

  The Victor Emmanuel II Gallery is one of the oldest and most elegant shopping centers in Europe. The gallery was inaugurated in 1877 and is named after the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.

  It is one of the oldest shopping malls in Europe, where visitors can buy luxury goods such as clothes, shoes, jewelry and fashion accessories as well as eat or sit down for a coffee.

  The gallery is also famous for its magnificent architecture, including glass and iron domes, marble mosaics and statues depicting famous figures from Italian history.cuisine, as well as craft stores where you can buy unique souvenirs.

• The Brera district, a haven of artistic peace

  

  The neighborhood of Brera has a long history that dates back to the fourteenth century, when the area was a small rural community outside the city walls. Over the centuries, Brera has become an important artistic center, home to the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, as well as important art museums such as the Pinacoteca di Brera and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

  Today, Brera is a popular neighborhood for Milanese residents and visitors alike, with a lively cultural and artistic life, elegant stores, cafes and upscale restaurants. The narrow, winding streets are lined with historic red-brick buildings and quaint little squares.

  Must-see sites in the Brera neighborhood:

  – The Pinacoteca di Brera Museum is one of the most important museums in Milan and is located in a former 16th century convent. The museum’s collection of paintings and sculptures is very diverse, with works by great Italian artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Bellini, Titian, Mantegna, and many others.

  – The Pinacoteca di Brera is located in a large pedestrian square, the Piazza della Scala, which is also the location of the Milan opera house, the famous Scala. This square is one of the liveliest in the city, with many bars and restaurants where you can have a drink or a bite to eat.

  – The Botanical Garden of Brera is another must-see place in the area. Located in a peaceful park, the garden is home to thousands of different plants and trees, as well as a small pond with fish and frogs. It’s a great place to relax and rejuvenate after a day spent sightseeing.

• La Scala theater in Milan: an icon of Italian opera

  

  La Scala is one of the most famous and prestigious theaters in the world. Located in the historic center of Milan, it was inaugurated in 1778 and was designed by the architect Giuseppe Piermarini.

  Since then it has been the venue for many world premieres of famous operas such as Puccini’s La Bohème, Verdi’s Nabucco and Puccini’s Turandot. It is considered one of the most important places in the history of Italian opera and is often called the “Mecca of opera”.

  The La Scala theater is also known for its exceptional acoustics, which have been praised by many renowned artists and musicians. The theater has a capacity of 2,800 spectators and offers a varied program, including operas, ballets and concerts.

  In addition to its programming, La Scala Theatre is also known for its magnificent architecture. The façade of the theater is adorned with sculptures and reliefs, while the interior is decorated with frescoes, gilding and red velvet.

  A museum adjacent to the theater features a permanent exhibition on the history of Italian opera and La Scala, as well as a collection of costumes, sets and musical instruments used in past performances.

• Sforzesco Castle

  

  The Sforzesco Castle is a 15th century fortress that was built to protect Milan from enemy attacks.
  The history of Sforza Castle dates back to 1450, when Francesco Sforza decided to build a castle in place of a medieval fortress. Over the centuries, the castle has undergone significant transformations, especially during the reigns of the Viscontis and the Sforzas, who added decorative elements and magnificent frescoes to the interior.

  Today, the Sforza Castle is home to many museums and galleries, each of which exhibits unique and fascinating pieces. The Museum of Ancient Art offers a collection of artworks ranging from the 13th to the 18th century, with pieces by famous artists such as Canaletto and Tiepolo. The Museum of Applied Arts is dedicated to the decorative arts, with a collection of furniture, ceramics, jewelry and fabrics.

  The Sforza Castle is also home to Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, the Pietà Rondanini. This marble sculpture, which represents the dead Christ in the arms of the Virgin Mary, is one of the last works of the great Renaissance artist. It is displayed in a special room created to house this unique piece.