Old town

Milan’s old town is demarcated by the Cerchia dei Navigli, a ring of streets that can be made out from the skies, and whose distribution corresponds to that of the city’s ancient defensive moat. This urban belt encircles an extensive area that contains vestiges of the town’s medieval past, trendy cultural institutions and exclusive shops that are guaranteed to delight followers of fashion.

The best place to start exploring Milan’s old town is the Piazza del Duomo, home to a majestic cathedral that is notable for the bright reflections given off by its pinkish-white marble (sourced from the nearby Candoglia caves) and its subtle blend of Gothic styles and traditional Lombard influences. We recommend going up to the cathedral’s rooftop to get a close-up view of the sculptures that crown its different peaks. From the top of the cathedral, you’ll be able to enjoy some stunning views of nearby buildings of great historical importance, such as the neighbouring Royal Palace.

We also suggest entering the Museo del Novecento where, besides admiring attractive works by the likes of Giorgio de Chirico, Marinetti and many other 20th century artists, you’ll be able to enjoy an original perspective of the Duomo’s fascinating façade through the top floor windows.

Other artistic attractions can be found just a few minutes from the Duomo. Such examples include the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, which houses an exhibition of works by the likes of Botticelli, Tiziano, Caravaggio and Rafael Mengs; the Royal Palace, the former seat of local government which has since been converted into an exhibition space; and the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, which showcases a surprising private collection in the luxurious former residence of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, the young aristocrat to whom the collection once belonged.

You must find time during your stay to visit Piazza Mercanti, one of the most charming spots in Milan’s city centre. This square is a key landmark in the city’s urban layout, marking the intersection of the six arteries that connected the city centre to its old districts. This tiny square, one of the oldest in the city, now serves as an open-air architecture museum. Each façade has a different architectural style, giving rise to a beautiful square that is heterogeneous and charming in equal measure.

To discover the Milan of fashion and glamour, you simply must find time to stroll beneath the magnificent glass vaulted ceiling of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: the elegant gallery where Mario Prada opened up his first bag shop in 1913. This landmark is home to some of the most exclusive boutiques found anywhere in Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals. The Gallery shares the limelight with the Via Montenapoleone, which is the most famous street of Milan’s Quadrilatero d’Oro.

Finally, we recommend concluding your tour of Milan’s old town by heading southwest to visit the Columns of St. Lawrence, one of the few Roman remains in the city; the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, the resting place of the old bishop and patron saint of Milan; and the convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, known around the world for housing Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Last Supper piece in its refectory. Lovers of this Renaissance genius should not leave Milan without first visiting the National Museum of Science and Technology, as one of its rooms exhibits some original sketches of the Florentine artist, providing a fascinating insight into the inner workings of the painter’s tireless mind.