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.
Beautiful sculptures adorn the graves of those interred at the Monumental Cemetery. Originally laid out in the 19th Century, the cemetery encompasses a staggering collection of sculptural and architectural gems, each gracing the burial site of some of the country's most prominent families and individuals. The Famedio, or Temple of Fame, is one of its most distinctive features. Originally designed to serve as a church, the neo-Medieval structure now has the sarcophagus of the novelist, Alessandro Manzoni. The tomb of the Campari family is adorned by a large, bronze version of the Last Supper, while that of Arturo Toscanini is a masterpiece fashioned by the sculptor, Leonardo Bistolfi. Marvelous funerary art and ornamentation abound at the Monumental Cemetery, a favorite among art lovers.
The sprawling expanse of the Piazza del Duomo forms the heart of the city of Milan, both geographically and in terms of its cultural significance. While the site has always been an important reference point for town planners, the origins of this public square can be traced back to the 14th Century. It was Azzone Visconti who demanded the removal of the taverns that surrounded the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica of Santa Tecla, thus creating one of Italy's most iconic squares. Although both churches were eventually demolished to make way for the ambitiously designed Duomo, their foundations are still visible to this day. Today, the vast open space is crowned by the Duomo on one side and the Royal Palace on the other. Alongside them are sweeping arcades designed by Giuseppe Mengoni. A space surrounded by some of Italy's most recognizable structures, the Piazza del Duomo has rightly been termed as the focal point of Milan.
Located in downtown Milan, the Bagatti Valsecchi Museum expresses the taste and lifestyle of a wealthy, cultured, aristocratic Milanese family at the end of the 19th century, and is one of Europe's most important historic house museums. Here, the precious permanent collections of 15th and 16th-century Italian art and decorative arts, assembled by the Bagatti Valsecchi brothers during the second half of the 19th century, are found in their original positions. Because of this, the museum not only offers Italian Renaissance art, but also presents an authentic "magic window" onto Milan's aristocratic past, fascinating to many kinds of visitors.
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.
Dating back to 1778 as a fitting replacement for the Teatro Ducale, the stately Teatro Alla Scala has since come to be one of opera's most legendary venues. The historic theater has hosted most of Italy's operatic masters alongside renowned international artists. Designed by noted architect, Giuseppe Piermarini, the theater's neoclassical facade has a palatial theater with six tiers of private boxes, topped by an intricate ceiling. Home to the prestigious La Scala Theater Orchestra, La Scala Theater Ballet and La Scala Theater Chorus, it remains one of the city's liveliest cultural venues. Apart from operas, the theater also hosts plays, ballet shows and numerous other cultural events throughout the year.
The museum of the service station was founded in 1966 by Guido Fisogni at the start of his work in the building and maintenance of service stations. The collection, one of a kind, has over 7000 pieces which put together the evolution of these industrial products. Inside the museum there are 200 period petrol pumps as well as several oil cans, lubricators, number plates and designs linked to the industry. Admission is free.
Cinema Multiplex Arcadia is the place to go to watch the latest blockbuster movie.
After visiting all other attractions of Milan and having dined at the finest restaurants, head to Piazza Santa Giustina. This square in Milan is the best hideout to escape from the mundane routine and spend some time in solace. It has the famous Catholic Church Santa Giustina. This churchyard square is designed with a large square mesh throughout its extension. All in all, this place exudes a unique charm!
Located within the beautiful and monumental Villa Reale di Monza, the Teatrino di Corte or the court theater is a premium art venue for theater lovers. This theater hosts some very popular plays and events apart from musicals. Simplistically designed in a square shape with a central elevation that works as a stage, the theater nevertheless gets the best of the art staged on it. The rare wooden ceiling guarantees finely tuned acoustic sounds, thereby considerably dramatizing every uttered sound. All in all, if you are in Monza, ensure you attend a show in the Teatrino di Corte della Villare Reale and make your trip a long lasting memory.
A patch of sprawling green in the heart of Segrate, CentrOparco is a beautifully landscaped park and garden. One of the premier parks in the Province of Milan, CentrOparco offers an ideal place for a picnic, a stroll, a run, or for just lounging aorund. See the website or call to know more.
Santa Maria alla Fonte is one of the oldest churches of the charming city of Milan. The church site has been visited by several archaeologists whose discoveries reveal that an earlier edifice stood here since the early years of the Roman Imperial regime. However, primary recorded evidences pointing out to the existence of a basilica apportioned to Santa Maria ad Fonticulum date back to the 10th Century. A Benedictine monastery was built adjacent to the church in the 12th Century. This was followed by heavy alterations in the 14th Century. Several of its time-worn elements have been wonderfully retained, including its gabled roof, brick exteriors, lancet and the portal.