Top Rated Attractions in Milan

Construction of the "Galleria", a typically 19th-century public building that is now one of the oldest shopping malls in the city, began in 1865 following a series of competitions for the design won by Giuseppe Mengoni. Large plaster eagles support its dome, 47-meter high and made of iron and glass. Note the designs on the interiors and the Neo-Renaissance-style stucco work and graffiti. The floor of the building was completely restored in 1966 in a rare mosaic showing the emblems of Italian cities.

Situated over Milan Cathedral, Madonnina is a statue of Mother Mary. This statue is believed to be the highest point of Milan, as in no other man-made structure measured above this statue. This statue dates back to 18th Century when it was first erected and measures 356 feet (108.5 meters). This statue has been a subject to the popular folk song of Milan and is a famous tourist attraction.

Watched over by the Madonnina, the cathedral's high marble spires represent the city's most famous artistic and religious monument. The dimensions of Christendom's third-biggest church are still awe-inspiring, spanning 108 meters (354.3 feet) high and 158 meters (518.3 feet) long. A range of architectural styles feature the doorways of the 17th Century, the central balcony from the late 18th Century and the three main upper windows which are early 19th Century pieces by Carlo Amati. The Gothic cathedral's vast interior is grand with its impressive pillars, vaults, streamlined arches and wonderful statuary surrounding the nave. Light filters in through a crevice in the wall, positioning itself on the sundial that frames its main entrance. Gleaming statues carved out of Condoglian marble are perched atop its spires. Whether one is seeking religious fulfillment or is simply sightseeing, the Duomo leaves one spellbound.

Sant'Alessandro in Zebedia is a magnificent church located on Via Zebedia. The history of this place can be traced back to 9th Century when there existed a former church on the same location. The present church dates back to 16th Century. This church is said to be designed by veteran Italian architects, namely, Francesco Maria Richini and Lorenzo Binago. The grand structure of this church boasts of Baroque architectural designs, while its interiors popularly feature artworks from renowned artists like Camillo Procaccini and Daniel Crespi. Today, this church is a place of worship for Roman Catholics and attracts many art and architecture enthusiasts for visiting.

Founded in the early Christian era, this church was renovated in the 11th century and expanded in the 13th century. It has three naves, and became a mausoleum for the Visonti family and Bernabo was buried here in 1385. A monument to him, by the sculptor Bonino da Campione can be found in the Civic Museum in the Castello Sforzesco. Bell towers and naves were demolished to make way for Via Mazzini, and the gothic facade was also demolished and transferred to the new evangelical Waldensian church in Via Francesco Sforza. Only the crypt and the apse remain of the original church in Via Albricci.