Things to do in Milan
It takes a longer stay to visit all the sights in Milan as a tourist. Here we only list some that a weekend traveler (on Weekendresa.nu you will find other destinations if you are tired of Milan, as it would be possible) has the opportunity to do:
Cathedral
The Cathedral of Milan Duomo di Milano - is the second largest Gothic cathedral in the world, after Seville. The Duomo di Milano holds 40 000 people.
It was built at the end of the 14th century. The cathedral is an excellent example of Gothic-Lombard architecture. The building covers approximately 12,000 square meters, is 157 meters long and is adorned with over 3,500 statues.
It is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan of the Roman Catholic Church. It is possible to take the 250 steps, or ride an elevator, up to the roof of the cathedral. The reward for the effort is an outstanding view of the city and its surroundings. Women visiting the cathedral must have their shoulders covered.
Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper
Well worth a visit is the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, built in the second half of the 15th century. It was in the adjoining refectory that Leonardo da Vinci, between 1495 and 1498, painted his masterpiece The Last Supper, depicting Jesus' last meal.
The mural was painted directly on the monastery wall. Leonardo tested al secco, which was a new dry technique, instead of al fresco, the traditional lime painting on wet plaster. The monastery has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 and is protected by Italian law on cultural heritage.
Leonardo da Vinci's vineyard
La Casa degli Atellani is a palace across the street from Santa Maria delle Grazie where Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is located. It is a vineyard - 60 meters wide and 175 meters long - that Ludovico Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan, gave to Leonardo da Vinci in 1498.
The reason was that the duke, who wanted to turn part of the monastery into a mausoleum for his family, commissioned Leonardo to paint it. The painter and universal genius Leonardo was a wine lover and the Duke was so pleased when the painting began to take shape that he gave Leonardo the vineyard.
Teatro alla Scala
La Scala Opera House, originally called the Nuovo Regio Ducal Teatro alla Scala, was inaugurated on August 3, 1778. It is a remarkably modest building in appearance and seats 2 015 spectators.
Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, José Carreras, Maria Callas and Swedish Birgit Nilsson are some of the greatest opera singers to have appeared on stage. Maria Callas and Renata Tebaldi had the La Scala Opera House as their main stage for many years.
The season at La Scala always starts on Ambrose of Milan Day (the patron saint of Milan) on December 7. Performances must finish before midnight, so long operas start earlier in the evening when necessary.
La Scala also houses a museum with statues, costumes, paintings, sketches and other documents from the opera house in particular and opera history in general. It also houses the Academy of Performing Arts, which trains dancers, musicians and technical staff.
Brera and the Pinacoteca
In Brera, one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods, visitors can stroll around posh cafes with outdoor seating, designer boutiques and handmade clothing stores. The Brera Palace, home to the famous Pinacoteca, is one of several 17th century buildings in the area. It was built on the remains of a 14th century convent, which was later given to the Jesuits who founded a school in the building.
When the Jesuits were dissolved in 1773, the Collegio di Brera became state property and Empress Maria Theresa of Austria decided to use the building for several of Milan's leading cultural institutions.
The purpose of the Brera Gallery, also known as the Pinacoteca, was to be a collection of the most important works of art from all the territories conquered by the French armies. Paintings were confiscated from churches and monasteries throughout Lombardy.
The Pinacoteca is one of Italy's most important museums with art from the 13th century to the end of the 19th century. The collection consists mainly of religious works. There you can see one of the country's most famous paintings, Francesco Hayez's 'The Kiss'.
Milan's canals
The water channels are now popularly known as the Navigli, which is also the name of the area. They were constructed in the early Middle Ages and played a major role in the construction of Milan Cathedral at the end of the 14th century, when the canals were used to transport marble blocks for construction.
Spending time along these Navigli is very popular with tourists and Milanese. Although transport on the canals has long since ceased, the Navigli area is still a lively center.
A variety of bars and restaurants are located along the canals. It is a delightful pleasure to start the evening with a typical Italian aperitivo and at the same time be able to watch the crowds of people strolling by.
Many artists have this as their favorite area, inspired by the water. Galleries and studios have been built and visitors can visit them to see the paintings, sculptures and photographs on display.
For the EXPO 2015 world exhibition, Navigli underwent a major restoration and refurbishment. In particular, the Darsena port, which previously linked all the different canals, was rebuilt at a cost of 20 million euros.
milano attractions
things to do in milano
sights in milano
sights in milano
milano to do
what to do in milano
things to do in Milan
to see in milano
things to do in Milan
things to do in milano
what to do in milano
sights in italy
what to do in milano
musts in milano
milano tourist
sights of Milan
things to do in milano
what to see in milano
milano
what to do in milano
italy attractions
abbey wall in Milan
what to see in milan
painted by leonardo da vinci on a monastery wall
communion milano tickets
visit milano
tourist milano
milano sights
communion milano
leonardo da vinci abbey wall in milano
milano to see
milano tourism
tourist in milan
Contents