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World > Italy > Milan
City Guide Milan
Overview
General Information
Milan is the capital of Lombardy in the north of Italy. It is not only the financial centre but also the seat of numerous fashion labels and the leading centre of fashion and design which can be named in the same breath as Paris and New York. With around 9 Mio. people per year, Milan is, after Rome the most visited city in Italy. Most of the guests come for business reason but Milan has much more to offer. Extremes characterise the city, what can be discovered in the magnificent buildings of Roman churches which are determined by an architecture of purpose in a hectic but creative trading city. The Scala, the Piccolo Teatro and the galleries Brera and Ambrosiana are the figureheads for Milan if it comes to fine arts. But also phenomenons of mass culture have their home over here for example advertising and football. Milan’s seven universities including numerous faculties made the city to a capital of technology and research. Besides, Milan is packed with music cafes and clubs where the air burns all throughout the year. But although a lot of fun and excitement surrounds the city, it is an expensive place to be. Furthermore it is not an easy place to be. It is loud until late in the night, fast, efficient and challenging. Still today Milan is the industrial centre of Italy, although these times are already long past. But the dynamic still exists. Many companies and service providers have their seat in Milan and shape its character as a leading economical and financial centre. About 1.3 Mio. people live in Milan and the surrounding area and approximately 800.000 people commute every day.
Weather
The climate in Milan is quite humid. Fog and smog are a daily issue in the city. The summer can be very hot and winters relatively cold. There is also a chance of heavy snow fall. Besides Milan is characterised by a high air pollution.
Language
The language spoken in Milan is Italian. As in most regions in Italy Milan has its own dialect, Milanese, which is classified as a Septentrional dialect. It can be seen as a variety of Western Lombard which is also spoken in the province around Milan.
Religion
About 90% of the people are Roman Catholic but there are also Protestant, Jewish and Muslim minorities.
Currency
The currency used in Italy is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €100, €50, €20, €10 and €5 and the coins in use are €2, €1, € 0.50, € 0.20, € 0.10, € 0.05, € 0.02 and € € 0.01. Most of the established credit cards can be used to cash money at ATMs or to pay in hotels, shops and restaurants.
Tipping
It is common practice to tip both waiters in restaurants and taxi drivers between 5-10% of the bill. In restaurants a service charge of around 15% is usually already added to the bill, but this additional tip is still expected. Tipping is widely practised in Italy for other services as well, so small tips to hotel staff, ushers, restroom attendants, etc. are sure to be appreciated. For hotel service, a tip of € .50 – 1.50 per day is typical, though more in very expensive hotels.
Taxes
Tax is included in the price of all goods in Italy. For items purchased over € 155, tourists from outside of the EU can get the tax reimbursed. This can be done by filling in a form in the shop and then presenting it to the customs officials at major airports or border crossings.
Telephone
For Italy the country code is +39. The area code 02 for Milan belongs to the phone number and has to be dialled as well. There are public phones which can be used with a telephone card for local and international calls. Telephone cards can be purchased in tobacchi (tobacco stores), post offices, kiosks and some bars. Telephones that can be used are very rare in Italy; they are sometimes in bars, hotels, metro stations or Termini station.
Internet
Milan is equipped with many internet cafes like most of the cities nowadays. You can connect your laptop or if you don’t have one easily use an internet café. Most of the cafes differ in prices and quality so it might be good to check beforehand. Some internet cafes are: AWBA communications: via valpetrosa, 5; Metaverse: Via Plinio, 48; Hard Disk Cafe: Corso Sempione, 44; punto futuro italia: via santa valeria 4.
Emergency numbers
Police: 113 Carabinieri: 112 Ambulance: 118 Fire Brigade: 115
Opening times
Banks are usually open on weekdays between 8.30 am and 1.30 pm and in the afternoon between 2.30 and 4.30 pm. Shops can have individual opening times but in general they are open from Tuesdays to Saturdays 9/ 10 to 12.30 am and from 3 to 7.30 pm. Department stores and shops in the centre might be open continuously and even on Sundays. Some other small shops are only open in the afternoon. Museums are normally open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm; smaller venues are closed in the afternoon. Restaurants serve lunch between 12.30 am and 2.30 pm and dinner from 7.30 pm t0 10 pm. Some of the restaurants are closed on Sunday.
Public Holidays
The following holidays in Italy are days when most businesses are closed and transportation may be more limited. 1st January, New Years Day 6th January, Epiphany Good Friday/Easter Sunday and Monday, late March or early April 25th April, Liberation Day 1st May, Labour Day 15th August, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 1st November, All Souls Day 8th December, Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 25th December, Christmas
Safety
The safety rate in Milan doesn’t differ from the one in any other big European city. Of course usual precautions apply. Watch out for pickpockets on busses, trains, shopping centres or the touristy areas.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing
Milan is not only fashion and busy working environment but also a city that is filled with historical sights and cultural life. Most of the sights are located close to the Duomo, the main attraction in Milan. This makes it easy for visitors to stroll and experience the city, although Milan also possesses a very well organised public transport system. There are many pedestrian areas which are shaped by a colourful mix of different architectural styles. Here you find the pomp of former Austrian Empire, graceful Italian Renaissance buildings and decorative Art Nouveau houses that are combined with the young and modern buildings of present-day Milan. The Italian metropolis is bustling and fast and this tempo can be unrelenting. In order to enjoy this tireless atmosphere, visitors should try to plan their time thoroughly. People who fall for romanticism should go to the Southern part of the Old Town where the shores of the Canale Naviglio Grande are filled with old washhouses and deliver a dreamy picture of the city. Also the university quarter is worth a visit as well as the two Basilica Sant Eustorgio and Sant Ambrogio, although there are many other nice churches and sights like the Cimitero Monumentale or the Castello Sforzesco. Among the parks and gardens of Milan the Parco Sempione and the Giardini Pubblici are the most nicest oasis in the city which offer a place for rest and piece.
Duomo (Cathedral)
Milan’s Duomo St. Maria Nascente is one of the most famous buildings in Italy and the biggest Gothic Cathedral in the world. The construction of the 157 m long and 109 m wide cathedral began in 1386 by the Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti and was finished in 1858. Decorated with light marble and about 4000 statues this Gothic cathedral demonstrates an exception in the Italian architectural style. Containing 5 naves, the building can host up to 40.000 people. The high and colourful glass windows of the choir, which create a kaleidoscope of colour through the cavernous interior, are one of the biggest in the world. Carlo Borromeo, the most important benefactor who is responsible for a wooden choir, many of the statues and the nivola, is buried at the centre of the cathedral in the octagonal sub-terrestrial crypt next to the treasure chamber. The highest point of the duomo is marked by the Madonnina, a 4 m high golden statue which twinkles in the sun. The roof which is also made from Candoglia marble from Lago Maggiore expresses a unique innovation in the architecture of cathedrals. On 8000 m² people can have a close look at the 135 pinnacles as well as an astonishing view over the whole city to the Alps and far into the Lombard lowlands. Visitors who don’t want to take the 158 steps to the roof can take the lift at the north side of the building. Opening times: Daily 7 am – 7 pm Entrance prices: Cathedral: free, Treasure chamber: 1€, lift to the roof terrace: 5€, entrance to the roof terrace via staircase: 3€
Teatro alla Scala
The Teatro alla Scala was built in 1778 after a fire had destroyed the Teatro Regio Ducale. The new theatre was placed where the church Santa Maria alla Scala was previously located. Hence the name of the theatre. The architect Giuseppe Piermarini designed the façade and the pompous performance room in a neo-classical style. The magnificently decorated balconies used to be in the possession of important families of the city. The balcony in the middle “Palco Reale” belonged to the monarch’s family of Milan. For the opening Antonio Salieri’s opera „L''Europa riconosciuta“ was performed. The Teatro alla Scala which appears very simple from the outside offers place for 2200 guest in the pit, 4 tiers of loges and two galleries. The season begins every year on the 7. December on the name day of Sant’Ambrogio.
Castello Sforzesco
The Castello Sforzesco is a castle located at the Piazza Castello in the north west of Milan exactly at the position of the in 1447 destroyed castle of the Visconti family. The oldest part “Porta Giovia” was built between 1360 and 1370 along the medieval city wall. The construction work was continued by Gian Laeazzo and Filippo Maria which created a square castle of 180 m length and 4 towers. Francesco I. Sforza, the husband of Bianca Maria Visconti, took over the work in 1450. The courtyard was used as a parade ground. Both sides of the courtyard are provided with big gates and drawbridges. The castle hosts many museums like the Museo d''Arte Antica and the Museo della Preistoria (Archaeological Museum). One of the most precious exhibits is the sculpture Pietà Rondanini from the years 1553 – 1564, an incomplete piece by Michelangelo. The garden around the castle is in English style with blossoming flowers, an arena, a look-out and the neo-classical triumphal arch “Arco della Pace” (gate of Peace) which was built between 1807 – 1838. Opening times: Winter: daily 7 am - 6 pm Summer: daily 7 am - 7 pm Closed on: December 25, January 1, May 1, Easter Monday Entrance costs: Free, except museum
Cimitero Monumentale
The cemetery covers 250.000 m² and lies in the north outside the city centre. It was founded in 1866 according to the designs of the architect Carlo Maciachini. The location outside the centre corresponded to the hygienic and city planning requirements. Besides, the place was seen as a representative scene to remember the dead where many different religious ceremonies take place according to the religious belief. Maciachini’s design included many different styles respectively to the eclectic taste of the time. So it is not surprising to find Gothic elements from Pisa, Lombard Romanticism and the Byzantine style next to each other. The entrance is dominated by the memorial chapel “Famedio” which hosts many famous and deserving people. The sculptures on the graves and family chapels characterise the history of the city as well as the architectural development of realism and eclecticism, from Art Nouveau and Art Deco to contemporary forms of art. Therefore the cemetery can be seen as a kind of open-air museum. The Cimitero Monumentale is easily reachable by tram or by walking from the Castello Sforzesco passing Viale Motello and Ceresio.
Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II
Since 1867 this crosswise shopping arcade connects the Piazza del Duomo and the Piazza Scala and it is an ideal place for rest. Built to spend a monumental expression in Art Nouveau style, the Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II quickly evolved to a famous and beautiful canopied shopping arcade. The name derives from King Vittorio Emanuele II to whom the building was dedicated. The arcade consists of two arms, one 200 m and the other one 100 m long. Both are 14 m wide and are roofed by arches of steel and glass. At their meeting point a pompous glass cupola vaults in 47 m height. The marble floor is covered by emblems of four Italian cities, for example the Taurus of Turin. Hitting the phallus of the marble Taurus symbolises a rise in men’s virility. Today the Galleria is an elegant place with a lot of shops, cafés and restaurants, like the famous Savini. Most of the shops count on wealthy mainly foreign customers which are willing to pay the high prices. At the entrance the famous bar “Camparino” is located. About a hundred years ago Davide Campari invented the popular drink which carries his name. Opening times: Shops, cafés and restaurants have their own opening times.
Canale Naviglio Grande
The Naviglio Grande was the first channel built in Europe (1151 – 1272) and at the same time it is the most important water path of the Milan system combining the Italian metropolis with the Lao Maggiore. The channel shapes the charming Ticino quarter, which is also known as the Navigli, close to Porta Ticinese. The facades of the old but elegant houses are mirrored in the water. Many restaurants, bars and chic shops invite for a stroll. Initially the channel was used to transport all kind of goods into the city. Milan’s harbour, Darsena, used to be an important harbour in Italy until far into the 19th century. Along the Naviglio Grande there are many pompous residencies with beautiful gardens on the water, for example Palazzo Stampa or villa Borromeo sul Naviglio. The best way to discover the channel is ideally by bike passing fields and typical Cascine, old estates or by canoe.
Grattacielo Pirelli
The Pirelli skyscraper was built between 1955 and 1960 as a central office for the tire producer Pirelli. It is the highest building in Milan and can be seen as its symbol. It is an example of architectural lightness designed by Gio Ponti and Pier Luigi Nervi.
Montenapoleone
Montenapoleone is the fashionable shopping district in Milan that is known for luxurious boutiques and a rich clientele. Full of glitz and glamour this pülace is heaven for all shopping lovers. Some of the most important names of haute couture like Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Cartier Bulgari, pomellato and Tiffany’s have settled down over here. Even if you don’t have the money to shop over here it is worth a visit to take a breath of the air of the richest of the rich.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
The church Santa Maria delle Grazie is one of the most beautiful Italian churches and a typical example of late Gothic architecture in Milan. The building was constructed from Dominicans between 1463 and 1482. From 1495 to 1498 Leonardi da Vinci worked on the famous mural painting “Last Supper”. Although it was heavily damaged during WW II it was possible to save it. The conservator Signora Guiseppa Brambilla is busy already for many years to restore the precious piece. The building self is not at all pompous but an example of a perfect harmony of high renaissance. Opening times: Daily 7 am – 12 am and 3 pm – 7 pm
Sant Ambrogio
Sant Ambrogio is one of the oldest and most important churches in Milan. It goes back to the year 379 and the Roman rule in Lombardy. The original building which was sanctified by Bishop Ambrosius in the late 4th century barely exists anymore apart from the outline and the mummified corpse of the founder in the crypt. The church and its yard like on early Christian construction traditions but actually they were built in the 12th century. Sant Amrogio has two towers which is very uncommon but has a simple explanation. Two towers were built because Benedictine monks and worldly canons both used the church for their purposes and they could not agree who was allowed to ring the church bell. Sant Amrogio belongs to the best examples of medieval construction traditions in North Italy. The emperor hall includes the considerable interior of all churches in Milan, including a Roman pulpit whose pillars are closing in the early Christian Stilicho Sarcophagus, and the altar canopy from the 9th or the 12th century. All three naves host distinguished pieces of art for example the cupola that consists of sparkling mosaics or the golden altar of Volvinio. Opening times: Daily 10 am – 12 am and 2.30 pm – 6 pm, Sun 3 pm – 5 pm
San Fedele
This church was mentioned the first time in the 8th century with the name Santa Maria in Solario. Only since the 12th century the church has the name San Fedele. In 1566 the Jesuits called the church their own which stayed like this until 1763 until Lombardy was the main seat of the Jesuits. The exact name of the church is “Santa Maria della Scala in San Fedele”. When the church Santa Maria della Scala was destroyed, the remaining parts found a new place in San Fedele. For this reason the location became a church of pilgrimage for the ballerinas of the Scala. In 1771 Mozart conducted “Cantata della Passione”. Opening times: Daily 7.30 am – 2.30 pm and 4 pm – 7 pm
San Marco
The San Marco church was built in 1254 on the homonymous square. From behind you can see the nice bell tower from the 13th century. San Marco was visited for ceremony by Martin Luther and Amadeus Mozart. Still today there are annual concerts taking place in his honour. The interior of the church includes many frescos painting of Lomazzo and Procaccini as well as the “Madonna with child in her arm” from Leonardo da Vinci’s school. Opening times: 7.30 am – 12 am and 4 pm – 7 pm
San Simpliciano
San Simpliciano is an early Christian church which was built by Bishop Ambrosius in the 4th century but finished by his successor Simplician who is buried in this church which belongs to the oldest and most beautiful churches in Milan. During time many features of the building were changed. Only the middle portal and the bell tower date back to the 12th century. Opening times: 7 am – 12 am and 3 pm – 7 pm
Sant Eustorgio
The beginnings of this church go back to the 4th century and Bishop Eustorgio. Initially the church was famous for hosting the bones of the the three Magi (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar). It was a present of one of Constantine’s sons to the bishop of Milan. Over 700 years the bones were kept in San Eustorgio until Barbarossa foraged and detsroyed the church in 1164. Later the church wa rstored and taken over by the Dominicans. Due to the accident of Peitro Rosate who was slain and sainted the church again attracted many pilgrimers . Still today the grave of Peitro Rosate, the Petrus martyr, is the main attraction. The floor of the basilica is an early Christian graveyard with gravestones of other martyrs. The Portinari chapel left of the choir hosts a marble sarcophagus which is richly decorated with reliefs. At teh sout side of the nave Gothic, Renaissance and baroque chapels are built. The graves in the wall belong to medieval rulers from the Visconti family. Opening times: Mo – Sat 9.30 am – 11 am and 12.30 am – 5 pm, Sun 7.45 am – 5 pm
Certosa di Santa Maria di Gare
The monastery Certosa di di Garegnanois the first Carthusian monastery in Lombardy. It was founded by Giovanni Visconti in 1349. At the beginiing of the 17th century it was rebuilt by Pellegrino Tibaldi. Therefore only a small part of the original church remains. The interior walls are richly decorated with frescoes of Daniele Crespi (1629) depicting episodes from the history of the Carthusian Order and its founder St. Brunone. The monastery is located in San Siro, a quarter of Milan that lies close to the Cimitero Maggiore. Opening times: Mo – Sat 3 pm – 4.30 pm
San Lorenzo Maggiore alle Colo
The Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore alle Colonne with its immense cupola is located in Corso di Porta Ticinese, opposite the 16 Corinthian marble pillars which belonged to a temple of the Roman Empire. The big church square hosts a golden statue of Emperor Constantine. San Lorenzo Maggiore which was built between the 6th and the 7th century, is a great example of early Christian architecture. After many damages the basilica was restored in 1911, 1916 and 1837/38. Apart from the richly decorated cupola San Lorenzo depicts displays many Roman paintings and frescoes as well as decoration in the back part of the church. Opening times: 7.30 am – 6.45 pm
San Giuseppe
San Guiseppe is a small but very elegnat church close to the Scala. It was built by Francesco Maria Ricchino between 1607 and 1630. The outline of the church is a speciality of architecture as with its fusion of centralised units it broke away from the prevailing academic Mannerism.
Parco Sempione
This park belongs to the Castello Sforzesco and lies in the north-west of the city. It covers and area of 47 hectares and is designed as an English garden with wide paths, big green spaces, playgrounds for children and ponds that make it a favourite meeting place for all kinds of people. Many cafés and park benches create a relaxing atmosphere. During WW II the park was used for cultivating crops and later changed to its previous structure once the war was over. The highlights of the park are a large artificial lake, a monument to Napoleon III, a water fountain and the Torre de Parco. Opening times: Nov – Feb: daily 6.30 am – 8 pm March – Apr: daily 6.30 am – 9 pm May: daily 6.30 am – 10 pm June Sept: 6.30 am – 11.30 pm Oct: 6.30 am – 9 pm
Giardini Pubblici
The public garden is the biggest city park in the north east of Milan. It was designed by Piermarini in 1786 and enlarged in 1857 with small lakes and monuments and statues. The garden also includes the Palazzo Dugnale, the Greenhouse Laboratories and parts of the Milan Natural Science Centre. Opening times: Daily 6.30 - sunset
Giardino della Guastella
Giardino della Guastella is the city’s oldest garden which is located in the south east of Milan. After the initial planning, the garden was designed as an Italian-style garden with a big goldfish pond and two terraces. There are also a neo-classical temple and a large Synagogue. People who want to visit the fee have to pay an admission fee. Opening times: Daily 8 am – 5 pm
Parco delle Basiliche
This park is located between the Basilica Sant Eustorgio and Basilica San Lorenzo. Until 1840 this area was used for public hangings and through the Roman times the place was a small port. Today people can enjoy the magnificent view of the apses of the two churches. Opening times: Daily
Giardino Botanico Hruska
The Giardino Botanico Hruska is a Botanic Garden which hosts about 8000 exotic plants and flowers. Opening times: Mid- March – mid Oct: Daily 9 am – 6 pm
Tourist Information
Azienda Promozione Turistica del Milanese (APT) Opening times: Winter: Mo – Fr 8.30 am – 7 pm, Sat 9 am – 6 pm, Sun 9 am – 5 pm (Sat and Sun closed from 1 - 2 pm). Summer: Mo – Fr 8.30 am – 8 pm, Sat 9 am – 7 pm, Sun 9 am – 5 pm (Sat and Sun closed from 1 - 2 pm).
Visitor passes
The “Welcome Card” includes a one day ticket for the public transportation system, a short history of the city, a city map, some vouchers which give a reduction in some selected shops and a CD which classical music. This card costs 8 € and is available at the Tourist Information.