Milan is the capital of Lombardy and the second largest city in Italy. In Poland, it is mainly associated as a fashion center and the headquarters of two famous football clubs: Inter and A.C. Milan. At the beginning of the 18th century, Milan came under the rule of the Habsburg Monarchy and remained under Austrian influence until the second half of the 19th century (with a break in Napoleonic times) and its incorporation into the United Kingdom of Italy. It was during this period that many palaces were built in Milan (including the famous La Scala theater), and the city was rebuilt. Additionally, Lombardy was one of the few regions in what is now Italy where the industrial revolution flourished. Many industrialists had the appropriate means to construct or finance monumental buildings that replaced historic buildings. Few medieval objects have survived to our times, although we can find a few of them. Milan offers many top attractions and monuments. Starting from traces of the ancient history of the city (e.g. Mediolanum served for some time as the capital of the Western Roman Empire), through churches with early Christian mosaics, to museums filled with works of art. Who has not heard of the "Last Supper" with which Leonardo da Vinci decorated the refectory of the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, but not everyone is aware that the walls of the Milanese castle house the last work of Michelangelo: the unfinished sculpture Pietà Rondanini.
Tourist attractions, monuments, interesting places
1. Cathedral and Cathedral Square The most important point of Milan is the Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), whose greatest treasure is the impressive cathedral. The cathedral is one of the largest churches in the world. And certainly one of the most beautiful. The huge and richly decorated facade can delight almost anyone.
2. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: one of the most beautiful shopping galleries in the world The second famous facility located at Cathedral Square is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II (Italian: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II), which is the oldest shopping center in Italy. It is probably one of the most beautiful shopping malls in the world.
3. Piazza Della Scala: La Scala theater and other monuments On the northern side of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II there is Piazza Della Scala, marked out in the 19th century, next to which stands the La Scala Theater (Teatro alla Scala). The shape of the famous opera house is worth attention, although it cannot be said that the façade is impressive. If you would like to learn more about the history of the theater, you can go to the Teatro alla Scala Museum. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to enter the lodge located on the third floor, from the balcony of which you can admire the famous auditorium.
4. Sforzesco Castle: a symbol of good and bad times Symbol of Milan - Sforzesco Castle (Italian: Castello Sforzesco). The complex in its current form was built in the first half of the 15th century at the request of Francis I Sforza and served as the official residence of the family until the French troops entered the city. During the Sforza rule, many eminent architects and artists came to the city to decorate and rebuild the castle. The guest of the most famous of the Sforzas, Louis the Mauro (Italian: Ludovico il Moro), was Leonardo da Vinci.
5. Sempione Park and the Arco della Pace triumphal arch To the west of the Sforzesco Castle there is a vast city park - Sempione Park (Parco Sempione), which was marked out during the 19th-century reconstruction of the castle. The park itself is a nice place to relax on a warm day, although in the evening or early morning it may seem unfriendly due to the crowds hanging out there. And these are just some of the attractions that await you in Milan!
We're going out of town, so what's worth seeing in Lombardy?
When booking flights to Milan, it is worth remembering that the European fashion capital is also a great base for trips to the most interesting places in Lombardy - the most economically developed region of Italy. However, we will find here not only many interesting architectural gems, but also real miracles created by Mother Nature. If you are not going to Italy just for a weekend and you have some free time, be sure to go outside the city - within a radius of several dozen kilometers there is an immeasurable wealth of attractions waiting for you!
1. Bergamo - a medieval city at the foot of the Alps This is where the Orio al Serio airport is located, which you will see at the very beginning of your adventure. Many people do not pay much attention to Bergamo and immediately buy bus tickets to Milan for about 10 euros. And yet this relatively small city also has something to be proud of! When in Bergamo, be sure to go to Città Alta, the local old town fortified by well-preserved defensive walls, admire the monumental facade of the Cappella Colleoni chapel and take a photo with the spectacularly illuminated Venetian walls in the background. Also visit the famous Accademia Carrara art gallery, which houses large collections of works by Titian and Johannes Brueghel (the elder).
2. Vacation in Milan - attractions for nature lovers Not far from the capital of Lombardy - you can get there by train in just over 30 minutes - there is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Italy. Of course, we are talking about Lake Como located at the foot of the Alps, which you may associate with, among others, from the James Bond film series. Como attracts tourists with wonderful conditions for relaxation and unforgettable views. On its banks you can relax from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy lush green vegetation, including large palm trees. It is also a real paradise for people who love water sports! A visit here is a great way to spice up your short holiday in Milan.
Purchase flight tickets to Milan and discover wonderful Lombardy on your own. With a clear conscience, we can recommend, for example, Lake Iseo with the romantic island of Monte Isola or the charming town of Piacenza.