Welcome to Milan, Italy—where history, art, and cuisine converge. In this guide, we’ll delve into the historical significance of Sforza Castle, explore the architectural marvel of the Duomo Cathedral, uncover the treasures of the Ambrosian Library, and discover the diverse array of must-visit spots in the city. Alongside these, we’ll explore Milan’s unique culinary scene, take a peek into the fashion and shopping district, and discuss practical aspects like the best areas to stay in Milan.
History Unveiled: Sforza Castle
Caterina Sforza: A Formidable Force in Renaissance Politics
I first learned about Caterina Sforza while listening to her episode on Queens Podcast. She quickly earned a spot on my most captivating historical figure list due to her strength, diplomacy and pivotal military role during the Italian Renaissance. Therefore, her family castle was a must-see attraction in my Italy destinations.
Caterina’s husband was appointed to defend Rome by the Pope, which led to one of my favorite stories about her. After the death of Sixtus IV in 1484, Rome fell into disorder while the cardinals began the process of electing a new Pope. One who may not hold Caterina’s family in high regard. While Caterina’s husband was prevented by the cardinals from entering the city, Caterina was not. She took action and claimed the fortress of Castel Sant’Angelo, located just outside the Vatican, and held it for 11 days while negotiating with the cardinals. Eventually, an agreement was made in which Caterina’s family retained their land and titles. It’s worth noting that she accomplished all of this while being seven months pregnant. Caterina certainly lived up to the meaning of her family name, which means “force“. She is also the reason I made sure to tour Castel Sant’Angelo while in Rome.
From Fortress to Museum: Sforza Castle’s Evolution Across Centuries
Caterina’s grandfather, Francesco Sforza, began construction of Castello Sforzesco in Milan during the mid-1400s. He was the first Sforza to hold the title of Duke of Milan after marrying the daughter of Duke Filippo Mario Visconti. However, it was Caterina’s father, Galeazzo Maria, who was a notable patron of the arts and music. He also had a significant impact on commerce and foreign politics in the area.
The Sforza Castle has changed ownership throughout history, including being under the control of Emperor Charles V and Napoleon Bonaparte at different times. In the late 1800s, the castle was transformed into a municipal museum. Presently, it houses a vast art gallery, an archaeological museum, a library, and an archive. The castle also contains a fresco by Leonardo da Vinci within the Sala della Asse, the unfinished final work of Michelangelo, and various temporary exhibitions. Although you can enter the castle grounds for free, you’ll need to purchase tickets to access any of the museum exhibits. It’s essential to note that the museums are only open between 10 am and 5:30 pm, while the castle grounds are open before and after. As this is a large and extensive site, it’s recommended that you allow yourself at least a few hours to cover the highlights. Booking a tour isn’t necessary.
Architectural Marvel: Duomo di Milano Cathedral
The Duomo of Milan Cathedral is an iconic image that represents Italy’s architectural aesthetics. You have likely seen it in many media outlets. It is truly awe-inspiring to walk through. The construction of the cathedral started in 1386 and hasn’t stopped since. It was built on top of previous structures dating back to as early as the 4th century. When purchasing your tickets in advance, be sure to select the option that includes the archaeological area to have access to this part of the site. The highlight for most visitors, however, is the Duomo Milan terraces. You have the option to take a lift or stairs to get to the top of the Milan Cathedral and get a close-up view of the 135 spires. Access to the terraces is timed, so you will need to be at the correct door during the time slot indicated on your ticket to be admitted up. We learned this the hard way and missed out on that experience. However, the cathedral and other areas did not disappoint. You can take all the time you need to take in all of the ornate details surrounding you.
Please keep in mind that this is a working church where people come to worship. It’s important to remain quiet, respectful, and prepared to mind the dress code while visiting.
Library of Milan: Biblioteca Ambrosiana
When purchasing tickets to visit the Duomo Cathedral in Milan, you will have the option to add entry to the Ambrosian Library. I strongly recommend that you take advantage of this lesser-known attraction, which is a quick walk from the Cathedral square. The library is home to the largest collection of Leonardo da Vinci’s writings, drawings, as well as some of his paintings. The collections also include works by Caravaggio, Titan, Botticelli, and Brueghel il Vecchio among others. During my visit, I even saw a lock of Lucrezia Borgia’s hair and Napoleon Bonaparte’s gloves worn at Waterloo. However, the highlight of the library was the original Cartoon for the School of Athens fresco by Raphael. The display begins with a large movie screen explaining each piece of the work and why Raphael included each image where he did. Once you navigate around the screen you come face to face with a remarkable full wall sketch, at the end of the room all by itself. It is breathtaking.
In addition to the art exhibited, the Ambrosian Library of Milan is also a functional library that contains a vast collection of printed materials and manuscripts. Please be aware that most of these materials require prior authorization for access, so it’s important to plan ahead. However, you can visit the crypt of the Holy Sepulcher and walk along the same stones that da Vinci and many others before him did.
Italy Destinations: Places to See in Milan
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Located on the same piazza as the Duomo di Milano is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, a luxurious shopping center with a long history. This is the oldest shopping gallery in Italy, home to both historical stores and some of the most luxurious brands. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s worth stepping into this iconic architectural masterpiece to marvel at its beauty from ceiling to floor.
Leonardo de Vinci Museum of Science and Technology
If you are a fan of Leonardo da Vinci or science, then visiting this museum should definitely be a part of your Milan itinerary. The museum has a permanent collection of exhibits that showcase most of da Vinci’s engineering inventions. Along with his humanist works, you’ll find exhibits on space, transportation, and technology, and many others. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits which are often interactive, and you can find details about them on their exhibition calendar.
Church of San Maurizio and the Archaeological Museum of Milan
Although there are many small churches to visit in Milan, there is only one that is attached to an archaeological museum and a convent. Despite its subdued exterior, the interior of San Maurizio church is breathtaking. Adorned with murals and frescoes from the Renaissance era. The organ in the church still functions, despite dating back to 1554!
This site is situated closer to the Sforza Castle, and it is small enough to be visited on the same day if you’re up to some extra walking. If you start your visit in the church, you can exit from the rear. You’ll step directly into the Archaeological Museum of Milan’s lobby and can purchase entry tickets there.
As you enter the museum’s courtyard, you will notice how the newer architectural facades were built right into the old Roman structures. Beyond the tower, you will find a multi-tiered museum, with each floor dedicated to a different era of Italian history. You will come across jewelry, pottery, coins, and armor among all these treasures. Even with a degree in anthropology, I learned a few new things.
Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper
The Last Supper is painted on a wall inside the Santa Maria delle Grazie church on the western side of Milan’s city center. This is a hot ticket item however, and entry is very limited. If this is a must-see on your list of things to do in Milan, you need to plan strategically and book your tickets exactly three months in advance through the museum’s website.
Culinary Delights: Food in Milan
Milan’s food scene is heavily influenced by its local agriculture and most of the food production stays within the region. Unlike other parts of Italy, traditional Milanese cuisine revolves around meat, dairy, and soft grains such as rice, rather than pasta, pizza, and fruits. If you want to savor the authentic taste of Milanese cuisine made with the freshest ingredients, here are the dishes you must try:
- Risotto alla Milanese – rice dish
- Ossobuco – braised veal
- Polenta – cornmeal
- Minestrone Soup
- Cassoeula – pork and cabbage stew
- Panettone – fruit bread
- Cotoletta – breaded veal cutlet
Milan is the political, financial, and fashion capital of Italy. The city’s cuisine reflects its diverse cultural influences from around the world. Milan offers a wide range of dining options, particularly when compared to other Italian cities. Prior to my trip to Italy, I watched Stanley Tucci’s “Searching for Italy” series, which provided valuable insights for each region. The Lombardy episode, in particular, can help you make informed decisions about Milanese cuisine and recommend restaurants in Milan.
Fashion and Shopping in Milan
Milan embodies the quintessential Italian image often depicted in movies and media. You can witness women wearing stilettos and pencil skirts while riding bicycles and smoking cigarettes and still looking flawless. And groups of men wear similar Armani suits (always a shade of blue) as they walk the streets of the financial district. It is the ideal place to people-watch.
If you’re planning to go shopping in Italy, Milan is the perfect place to do it. However, the fashion capital of the world is not known for being cheap, so you’ll need a healthy shopping budget. The High Fashion district is a great place to window shop and admire some of the most exclusive showrooms of fashion design. If you’ve set aside some shopping funds, then be sure to visit the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This shopping center is located right across the piazza from the House of Gucci. Within the Quadrilatero della Moda Milano, you’ll find stores such as Prada, Dolce e Gabbana, Versace, and Louis Vuitton. You can also find smaller historical boutiques in the area. Make sure to check for any special events happening during the time of your visit, as the area will be bustling during fashion week and other local events.
If you want some inspiration before your shopping trip in Milan, you can visit one of the many fashion museums in the area, such as Palazzo Morando, Fondazione Prada, or Armani Silos.
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Choosing Your Base: Best Area to Stay in Milan
As mentioned in my previous articles about Italy Travel, it is best to stay in the center of your itinerary destinations to allow easy walking to various locations within the city without needing to navigate public transportation or car rentals. This approach is also recommended when determining the best area to stay in Milan. However, be prepared to spend more on accommodations in Milan if you decide to do so, but this cost could be reduced if researched ahead of time. During my visit to Milan, we stayed in a small apartment located across the street from the Archaeological Museum. We could easily walk to the Sforza castle, the Duomo di Milano, and the library. Although it took a $15 taxi ride from the train station to get to our accommodation, staying in the Quadrilatero della Moda district closer to the train station would have almost tripled the hotel price.
Fun Facts:
- The Milan La Scala Opera House is the largest in Europe
- You can Adopt a Statue in the Duomo di Milano as part of their donation initiative.
- There are more than 3400 statues on the façade of the Milan Cathedral.
- Rumor has it the statue of King Victor Emmanuel II in the Piazza del Duomo has a small electrical current running through it to keep the pigeons off.
- Milan has a vibrant and eclectic nightlife, there is truly something for everyone.
- If you don’t have time for Venice, you can visit Milan’s Navigli district to stroll along the banks of the canals.
- Milan’s well-developed public transportation system makes renting a car unnecessary.
Milan is truly a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, a foodie, or a fashion lover, you’ll find ample opportunities to indulge in your interests here. Sforza Castle, the Duomo Cathedral, and the Ambrosian Library all showcase Milan’s cultural depth, while the local cuisine is simply unforgettable. And let’s not forget about shopping – Milan is home to some of the most luxurious boutiques and designer stores in the world.
Overall, Milan is a city that will capture your heart and leave you wanting more. So why not add this to your Italy travel adventure and discover all that this incredible destination has to offer?
While the author generated the ideas and research, portions of this article were improved using Grammarly and ChatGPT.
