Things to do in Milan
Milan is full of plenty to do for travellers on a budget, with many of the city's top attractions costing little or nothing.
The city is full of impressive structures, such as the Duomo Cathedral, which remains one of the most fantastic and imposing structures in the world and has unsurprisingly become the symbol of Milan. Established in 1386, this incredible structure took almost five centuries to complete, but most who visit it today will agree that it was well worth the wait! Inside the immense structure sits the golden statue, known as La Madonnina, and is one of the main attractions for visitors to the city.
Another must see attraction for many tourists, particularly those interested in history, will be the Castello Sforzesco. Situated in the Parco Sempione, the central tower of the building offers magnificent views over the city and in particular this picturesque area of Milan. A grand building, the castle was commissioned by the Visconti family, but completed by the Sforza family (hence the name) who added in a number of features which took the structure beyond the ordinary and gave it a grand appearance.
Opposite the castle, through the pretty Parco Sempione, lies the Arco Della Pace, which is dedicated to Napoleon. Made of granite brought from the Lake Maggiore area, while the triumphal arch may not be as large as the likes of Paris' Arc de Triomphe or Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, it remains an impressive feature at the far end of the park.
South of the cathedral and its picturesque plaza lies an example of the great diversity within Milan. The famous San Satiro church is a fantastic piece of architecture based on skills and designs traditionally seen in Armenia. Intended to be an imitation of the Bagaran cathedral in Armenia, which was built in the 7th century, the church has taken on new meaning and importance as a symbol of Armenian architecture after the Turkish army destroyed the original in the 1960s.
Milan has a vast array of beautiful parks, which provide the perfect place for travellers to unwind and relax while enjoying the Italian sunshine. From the Giardino Botanico Hruska, which boasts over 8,000 exotic and rare species of plant, to the largest park in the city, Milan's public gardens, this city has something for everyone when it comes to taking time out from a hectic sightseeing schedule.
For travellers looking to add a bit of culture to their holiday, Milan also has a number of art galleries, most of which are cheap, especially when taking into account some of the treasures they hold. The Museo Poldi Pezzoli, for example, houses works by Botticelli, Canaletto and Mantegna, to name but a few. Meanwhile, the Pinacoteca di Brera contains masterpieces by Raffaello and Caravaggio, including his famous Cena in Emaus piece.
However, for a real visual treat there is no need to visit an art gallery as such, because in the church of Santa Maria Delle Grazie hangs the wonderful Last Supper fresco by Leonardo da Vinci. And speaking of the great artist, Milan is also home to a technical museum dedicated to the man himself, containing a variety of his technical diagrams and drawings.
Football fans will not want to miss out on a visit to one of the most famous buildings in the city – the Meazza (San Siro) Stadium. This 80,000 seater stadium is impressive in itself, but on match day when either of Milan's teams (Milan or Inter) are playing, the colours and sounds around and inside the ground make it an unforgettable experience.
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Things to do
