Fresco "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci. A photoflickr.com

It should also be included in the list of must-see places to visit in Milan. Pinacoteca Brera is the main art gallery of Milan, it is located in the city center, in the picturesque area of ​​Brera, surrounded by cozy cafes and trendy shops. The Pinakothek contains masterpieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Bramante, Modigliani, Picasso, Titian, Canaletto and many other outstanding masters of art of the 13th-20th centuries.

Pinacoteca Brera. A photomarcopolo.tv

lovers contemporary art can visit Milanskaya, which opened its doors to visitors in 1979. At 1200 square meters The exhibition space presents works by contemporary European and American artists.

A tour of Milan would not be complete without a walk along the old shipping canals - Navigli(Navigli). Once they served to connect Milan with lakes and. The barges used to deliver the marble needed for the construction of the Duomo through the same canals. The largest of the canals - Naviglio Grande (Naviglio Grande) stretches for 50 kilometers, on the streets adjacent to it there are stalls under open sky, and numerous cafes and bars with live music are a meeting place for locals, and especially young people.

Navigli Canal. A photoflickr.com

And if you are already in the capital of fashion, take the opportunity to walk along the fashionable streets and quarters of Milan, where the boutiques of the most famous Italian and world brands are located. The main haute couture streets are Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga, Via Manzoni and Via Sant'Andrea.

Milan... how much this sound has merged for the Russian heart... It's a joke, of course. Although, what is there, Milan is a favorite destination for trips from Russia to Italy. And it's not just about shopping. Indeed, Milano is one of the most important centers of the fashion industry. This is a good reason to come here. But far from the only one. The city is attractive from many points of view: business, culture, sports, culinary - in all these areas, Milan is no less interesting than in the field of fashion and style. In addition, it is convenient to go through Milan to the sea coast, and to the lakes, and to the Alps, and even Venice, due to the presence of high-speed trains, seems to be not far at all.

In short, going to Milan, you can be sure: there are all the possibilities for organizing have a good travel. Actually, the key organizational points will be discussed further.

How to get to Milan

Direct flights to Milan are operated by Alitalia, Aeroflot and Rossiya airlines. True, they fly only from Moscow and St. Petersburg, and ticket prices are usually not encouraging. Therefore, it is worth looking at other options (including connecting flights), which will not be found great work using websites such as www.skyscanner.ru, www.momondo.ru and www.aviasales.ru. At the same time, not only Milan can be considered as destinations, but also nearby Bergamo, where the Russian low-cost airline Pobeda flies. It is also worth taking into account flights to Genoa and Verona, where S7 Airlines flies, although getting to Milan through these cities is not as convenient as through Bergamo.

In addition, you can get to Milan by train Moscow - Nice, and without transfers. True, he arrives at night. More about railway communication between Russia and Italy read.

Where to stay in Milan

There are a lot of hotels, apartments, guest houses and other accommodation options in Milan. However, when choosing a place to live in Milan, you need to consider that the city is rather big. Therefore, before booking a hotel or apartment, you should get acquainted with the geography of the city and decide which areas are of greatest interest to you. For this purpose, we recommend that you refer to the article "Where to stay in Milan". Here we confine ourselves to brief remarks.

Perhaps one of the most convenient areas from the point of view of a tourist is the vicinity of the central train station Milano Centrale. Express trains from Malpensa Airport arrive here, trains depart from here to other big cities Italy (Rome, Venice, Florence, etc.) and neighboring countries (Switzerland, France, Germany, etc.), and the main Milan sights and shopping streets are within walking distance. There are many worthy hotels here: for example, the excellent five-star Excelsior Hotel Gallia, a stone's throw from the station building, or the four-star Starhotels Echo. There are other, more budget options: for example, Hotel Flora and Esco Hotel Milano.

If you do not become attached to the station, then the choice is greatly expanded. The city public transport system is quite convenient. In the end, you can get from the airport to Milan by taxi, which you can take on the spot, or by pre-ordering a transfer (see, for example), so as not to drag around the city with suitcases. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to other areas. In particular, take a closer look at the surroundings of the Duomo. This is the very center of Milan. It is convenient to live here both in terms of shopping and sightseeing. Nearby hotels include, for example, Armani Hotel Milano and Hotel Spadari Al Duomo. Read more about accommodation in the area.

How to get around Milan

The distances between the Duomo, the Fashion District, the Castello Sforzesco, the Santa Maria delle Grazie church and many other landmarks in the central part of Milan are quite surmountable on foot. Therefore, in many cases, you can move around the city center without any problems without resorting to public transport or taxi services. However, it is unlikely that it will be possible to do without transport at all. Say, if you need to get from the Central Station to the same Duomo, then you will have to walk for at least half an hour. You can walk around light, but with luggage, it’s probably not worth it.

Fortunately, the public transport system in Milan is excellent. There is a metro here that covers almost the entire city center, and if you can’t get somewhere by metro, you can always resort to trams or buses, as well as, if necessary, commuter trains. Detailed information about routes, fares, etc. can be found on the official website of the Milan transport company - www.atm.it.

What to see in Milan

Milan is associated more with modernity than with history, and therefore there is an opinion that there is nothing special to see here: Duomo and Castello Sforzesco - that's all. But it is not so.

For example, in the refectory at the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie) you can find one of the greatest creations in the history of fine art - the fresco "Last Vespers" by Leonardo da Vinci.

Inextricably linked with the name of Leonardo da Vinci is the National Museum of Science and Technology (Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Technologia Leonardo da Vinci), located, by the way, not far from the church mentioned above.

It is worth mentioning the Milan art galleries. Among them, we especially highlight the Brera Pinacoteca (Pinacoteca di Brera), the Ambrosian Pinacoteca (Pinacoteca Ambrosiana) and the Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria d'arte moderna).

Finally, La Scala. Although it is more likely not to “see”, but to “listen”.

The Milanese parks Sempione (Parco Sempione, next to Castello Sforzesco) and Indro Montanelli (Giardini Pubblici Indro Montanelli, near the gates of Porta Venezia) also deserve special attention - very pleasant places for walking, especially in summer, when it is unbearably hot in Milan.

Where to go from Milan

As mentioned above, from Milan you can go even to the sea, even to the lakes, even to the mountains. In addition, in the vicinity you can find many small but very interesting towns. With them, perhaps, we will begin our review of destinations for trips from Milan.

From Milan you can take a day trip to Bergamo, Brescia, Novara, Piacenza and Pavia. All these are ancient cities, each with its own unique history. It is worth visiting them, especially if you have already been to Italy and want to get to know this country better.

If you are going to Italy for the first time, then it might be worth expanding your horizons a bit and go, for example, to Turin (Torino), Verona (Verona) or Bologna (Bologna). Genoa is also of interest, despite the fact that many travelers believe that there is absolutely nothing to do there. In addition, you can go to Venice (Venezia) and Florence (Firenze), but only perhaps for the first acquaintance, because these cities should be given at least two or three days, and go far.

Finally, let's say a few words about lakes. First of all, attention should be paid to the lake. Como (Lago di Como) and lake. Maggiore (Lago Maggiore). A little further, but also within reach, is the lake. Garda (Lago di Garda). In addition, we can mention Lake Iseo (Lago d "Iseo). It is perhaps not as popular among tourists as the three lakes listed above, but no less beautiful for this.

Italy is the 15th largest city in the European Union and is recognized worldwide for being the capital of world design and fashion. The city consists of several so-called parts of charm and passion - football, opera and fashion.

However, while there is glitz, fashion and a few historical monuments, for me this city served as a great place to stay for just a few days. I can’t say that I really liked the city, since even its local residents told me with confidence in their eyes that this city is primarily for work, but not for tourism. However, in my opinion, the city is still worth visiting, only if not for a long time.

How to get to Milan

Let's start with the most common method that has found recognition around the world. Given the importance of the city, I can please you with the fact that planes fly from Moscow to Milan. If you are going to go to conquer Milan on your own and independently, then it is better to buy air tickets to this glorious Italian city through the online ticket service aviasales.ru. It will be more convenient, easier, and, of course, cheaper.

I will not bore you with all sorts of stories about how it was, what happened to me, as practice shows, people omit these materials in order to quickly get to the attractions section, so I will do so. Unless, I will give a couple of parting tips.

Try to choose accommodation with your own kitchen, because eating in cafes and restaurants will definitely cost you a pretty penny. And so, if you have your own kitchen, you can safely live on fifty dollars a week. Whereas for just one trip to a restaurant you will have to pay about sixty US dollars.

Also, avoid taxis and try to get tickets for public transport right away. What is most interesting, the ticket here works a little differently than ours.

If we are used to using one ticket for one journey in transport, then here the ticket is given for one hour, that is, if you manage to make it within the allowed time, you can drive half of Milan. By the way, such a ticket costs about two dollars, while a taxi will cost from twenty bucks.

What to see in Milan

Visit the Cathedral. Let's start with the historical sights of Milan. A massive gothic cathedral overlooking the Piazza del Duomo. Here you can count about 3500 statues, 135 spiers and 5 bronze doors, which is not surprising, given that this architectural marvel built over almost five hundred years.

You will definitely be speechless at its magnitude. Take the elevator up to the roof, and if you're really lucky with the weather, you might see the Alps (I'm not talking about the city of Milan itself and its surroundings). City symbol - Madonnia, also located on top of the roof, can be the object of a detailed inspection if desired.

Admire the Last Supper. This masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci is located in the church of Santa Maria della Grazie. The picture, of course, speaks for itself, as it captures the moment when Jesus reveals the fact that one of his disciples will soon betray him.

Despite all the trials and tribulations that this work of art had to overcome, the fresco looks wonderful, and to this day. Book your visit to the mural months in advance if you want to get there during the peak season.

Go shopping. Whether you're looking for something to spend some serious money on or just gawk at a variety of things and accessories, you'll find it all at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele 11. This huge shopping center has been under construction for twelve years and is now the birthplace of fashion giants such as Prada and Gucci .

If you are traveling on a budget, then at least buy yourself a cup of coffee and watch how high society Milana passes by you.

Visit the opera. Do you love opera? Do you want to see the opera in all its glory? Then, of course, you have definitely already heard of La Scala. Of course, you will have to starve for the next few days to afford to buy one of these "golden" tickets and experience with your own eyes and ears the best acoustics and performers in the world.

Or maybe you just want to see this fantastic theater from the inside? Visit the La Scala theater museum, and at the same time walk along the corridors of this magnificent building.

Explore the Sforzesco Castle. Get a dose of fine art at the Sforzesco Castle. Built in the 15th century by the famous Francesco Sforza, the castle currently houses 12 mini-museums and an extensive archive, which, in essence, serves as a visual feast for the eyes!

Its collections include everything from the Renaissance, Michelangelo's unfinished last work and the famous Civiche Raccolte d'Arte Antica (a world famous sculpture gallery) to the Museum of Musical Instruments and Ancient Art.

Go to football. If you consider yourself an avid football player, then book your tickets in advance for a match at the San Siro Stadium. Like any other football fanatic, you should know that the San Siro is one of the most famous stadiums in the world, while Milan itself is home to two football teams - Milan and Inter.

Look at the water city channels. Are you surprised to hear that there are similar channels in Milan? Actually, there are, more precisely, two, to be exact. Do not expect, of course, that they will replace Venice for you, although they also deserve attention.

According to the project of the great Leonardo da Vinci, the Milan canals had to exactly repeat a similar structure known to the whole world thanks to Venice. Originating in the Navigli area, these canals are incredibly charming and accessible to tourists during the summer months.

It is at this time that you will be able to take a "lazy" boat trip, looking at the charming artists, perhaps painting you as their work on the shore. You can also spend your time dining at one of the dozens of restaurants located around its perimeter. Actually, this is very large area and for the most part, it is designed to a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Wander the flea markets. Milan is not only famous for being home to many fashion giants - the city is also home to huge flea markets, which can be good news for your wallet!

Fiera di Senigallia is considered the city's most popular and oldest flea market, where you can buy everything from disco equipment to old American comics. You can also visit the Papiniano market, located a stone's throw away, where you can buy cheap shoes and clothes.

Visit the Brera Art Gallery. While the site is not comparable in size to the Sforzesco Castle, the gallery certainly has its own grandeur, showcasing many of the finest artwork from Raphael, Mantegna and Rembrandt.

Visit Idroskalo Park. Yes, this is the real urban jungle. One of the most iconic places recognized local residents, is the artificial lake Idroskalo. Here you will find beautiful parks and you can even have a barbecue. Here, almost exactly like on the Italian coast.

Stroll along Corso Magenta. Located in the northwestern part of Milan, this street is home to several baroque cafes, shops and palaces. It is noteworthy that the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the nearby monastery are exactly the place where the Last Supper once took place. Get on sightseeing tour it will be better here from the metro station.

Relax in Semipon Park. This park is so huge that it is considered the location of several ancient majestic sights, such as the Sforzesco Castle, the Civic Aquarium, Torre Branca, as well as dozens of different esoteric bars and much more.

This is actually a huge area that I had to wander around for several hours, and lie down on the grass when I was tired (yes, that's the way it is there, and I didn't get dirty at all).

Many tourists are already convinced that independent travel opens up more opportunities than organized tours. You manage your time yourself, see the sights that interest you, go to those shops that you have long wanted to visit. At the same time, you have many chances to save literally on everything - on air tickets and a hotel, transport and food, shopping and excursions. The main thing is to overcome insecurity. Let's talk about how to go to Milan on your own and get only positive emotions from this trip.

A nice bonus only for our readers - a discount coupon when paying for tours on the site until July 31:

• AF500guruturizma - promo code for 500 rubles for tours from 40,000 rubles
• AF2000TGuruturizma - promo code for 2,000 rubles. for tours to Tunisia from 100,000 rubles.

And many more advantageous offers from all tour operators you will find on the site. Compare, choose and book tours at the best prices!

The cheapest tickets to Milan can be bought in February, March and November, the most expensive - in January, July and September. To get to this beautiful Italian city, choose one of the airports: Linate, Parma, Malpensa and Orio al Serio. If you want to fly from Russia on a direct flight, you will need to use the services of Aeroflot, Alitalia or Pobeda.

Ticket prices are roughly as follows:

1. From Moscow - 11800 rubles
2. From St. Petersburg - 11,700 rubles
3. From Yekaterinburg - 15800 rubles

You can save up to 40% on air tickets by choosing flights with transfers. They are carried out by companies: Aeroflot, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, British Airways, Austrian Airlines. To find the best flight for you, it is better to purchase tickets in advance.

Visa

For tourist trips, an Italian Schengen is required. The most economical option is to fill out the application form online on the website of the Italy Visa Application Center in Moscow. You will need to be fingerprinted, collect the necessary documents and make an appointment by phone to submit them to the center. Visa processing time is usually 4-14 days.

The following documents are needed:

1. Completed application form in English or Italian
2. Original and copies of the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation
3. Original and photocopy of the 1st page of the international passport
4. Health insurance covering at least 30,000 euros per person
5. Receipt confirming the payment of the consular fee
6. Consent to the processing of personal data
7. Proof of residence - such as a hotel reservation or apartment rental agreement (copy and original)
8. Certificate of Employment - it must indicate your position and salary
9. Confirmation of income - an account statement with a bank seal, an original and a copy of a passbook, etc.

Certificates are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. The consular fee for a tourist or transit visa is 35 euros, if the registration is urgent, the price rises to 70 euros. Services of the visa center cost 2100 rubles.

How to get from the airport to the center

From the airport to the center of Milan can be reached by train, bus or taxi. A bus ticket costs 10 euros, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Buses leave every 20 minutes, break at night: from 2 am to 5 am.

A train ride will cost 14-15 euros, you will spend 2-2.5 hours on the way. Both express trains and trains run to Milan. Trains do not depart at night. During the day, you may have to wait about an hour to get into the car.

A taxi will cost 80-85 euros (profitable if you are traveling with fellow travelers or family), it will take you to Milan in 45 minutes. It is also convenient that it will take you directly to the hotel.

Which area to stay

In which area to choose a hotel? Hotels located on the outskirts may be somewhat cheaper. But don't forget transportation. To see Milan, in this case, you will have to take a taxi or change from one mode of transport to another. Living in the center is much more economical - all the sights are at hand, and you can save a lot on travel. In addition, in the city center you can also find housing of different price categories - from 5-star hotels to modest hostels.

What to try from food

Milanese cuisine includes both traditional Italian dishes and those dishes that this city has become the birthplace of. What are the must-try foods?

Busekka is a hot dish that includes tripe, beans, bacon and tomatoes. This is the base. But in every restaurant they add their own additional ingredients. It costs about 10 euros.

Nerve salad - unusual and very tasty dish, which includes the tail cartilages of cattle, and also onions, white wine vinegar, lavrushka. Found in the menu of any restaurant, it costs about 8 euros.

Milanese risotto - in addition to rice, includes beef, saffron and butter. A true symbol of Milan. It costs 14 euros.

Polenta is cornmeal. It is served with cod, cheese and other ingredients. It costs 10 euros.

Milanese cutlet - juicy cutlet with a crispy crust, for the preparation of which veal, flour and butter are used. It costs 25 euros.

Ossobuco is meat cooked in such a way that the spinal cord is preserved inside. A real delicacy for 25 euros.

Cassoyola - pork feet, ribs and ears with cabbage. The Milanese love this dish so much that it even became one of the local legends. It costs 27 euros.

Minestrone - well, what about without soup? Minestrone contains many components, but the main ones are beans, cabbage and bacon. The average price is 18 euros.

Barbajada is a dessert, a drink that includes chocolate, coffee and milk. Costs 7 euros

Panettone - sweet buns, can be with candied fruits and raisins. A kilogram costs 15 euros.

And if you choose a small family restaurant, then on the second day they will start making discounts there “like regular customer”, and for sure they will treat you with delicious homemade wine.

Public transport

Most often, tourists use the bus. This type of transport runs according to a schedule that can be seen at every stop. You need to enter the front or back door of the bus, where there are ticket punchers, and exit through the middle door. Buses run from 6 am to 24 pm, some flights until 2.30 am.

There are also 17 city tram routes. Trams run from 5 am to 2 am. At the entrance to the car, the ticket is stamped. There are 4 trolleybus routes in the city. They run at the same hours as the trams. There are 4 metro lines in the city: M1 red, M2 green, M3 yellow and M4 purple. The metro is open from 6.30 to 0.30. May 1 and December 25 are days off.

It is convenient to explore the suburbs by going on a trip by train. In addition to the Central, there are 2 more stations: Milano Cadorna and Milano Porta Garibaldi. Trains leave every 10 minutes. Taxis are called by phone or taken at one of the many parking lots. They are white cars with illuminated signs. Rates are day and night, "for tea" usually give up to 1 euro.

A ticket for 1 trip in public transport costs 1.5 euros, valid for 1.5 hours. During this time, you can transfer from one transport to another on the same ticket. A ticket for 10 trips costs 13.8 euros. Ticket for 24 hours - 4.5 euros, for 48 hours - 8.25 euros. It is convenient for tourists to buy a travel pass for a week - 16.75 euros, or for a month - 37.75 euros. Children under 5 travel free.

If you forget to validate your ticket, you can be fined 100 euros.

What to watch

There are so many attractions in Milan that there is always something new to discover. And yet, what is worth seeing first? It is very important to draw up a program, especially if you come to the city for a few days and you want to see as much as possible.

Duomo

A truly luxurious building gothic style. This cathedral in honor of the Virgin Mary is the largest in the world. In addition, it is a masterpiece of a very special style called "Flaming Gothic". Up to 4,000 people can gather here for worship at the same time. fabulous beauty interior decoration encourages ordinary tourists to come here. This is a must see!

The construction of the cathedral began at the end of the 14th century, and was completed only in the 19th century. During this time, several architects have changed, the cathedral has the features of the Renaissance. In the middle of the 18th century, a spire appeared above the cathedral, on which a statue of the Virgin Mary made of gilded bronze was fixed. The building itself was built from white marble, and decorated with countless decorative elements. You can also see many sculptures here.

Among the main attractions of the cathedral are the nail from the cross on which Christ was crucified, the Medici mausoleum by Leono Leoni, the statue of St. Bartholomew.

Gallery of Victor Emmanuel II

Gostiny Dvor in St. Petersburg comes to mind. Galleria Vittorio Emmanuel II is one of the oldest shopping galleries in the world. It connects two squares in the city center, and there are always a lot of people here. It’s not worth going here for souvenirs - it’s expensive, but to join the past and look at the best goods of Milan is here.

A gallery was built in honor of King Vittorio Emmanuel II in the second half of the 19th century. Only one arch from the side of the Cathedral Square was erected for about 10 years. The gallery turned out to be so beautiful that people come to see it as if it were a real work of art.

The shape of the gallery resembles a Latin cross. A 47 m high glass dome rises above the center. Guests of the city, having entered the gallery, can visit Gucci and Prada boutiques, visit famous restaurants, get to an exhibition or a concert. In a word, this gallery is a whole world.

Sforza Castle

What old City without your own castle? In the middle of the 14th century, the Visconti aristocratic family decided to settle in the vicinity of Milan. At that time, the richest people preferred to live under the protection of powerful fortress walls. Then the castle was founded, and it received its name by the name of the next owner - the commander Francesco Sforza.

The appearance of the castle resembles the Kremlin in Moscow. And indeed, the most important architectural structure the capitals of Russia were once erected according to the Italian model. Over the 7 centuries of its existence, the castle changed owners more than once, it survived various political upheavals, was destroyed and rebuilt. Today, there are always tourists here.

In the castle you can see paintings and sculptures, things from the everyday life of the townspeople of the Middle Ages. You can also learn more about the work of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo here.

Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie

One of the most beautiful churches Italy belongs to the Dominican monastery, and is an example of Renaissance architecture. The church was built in the 15th century. The architecture itself deserves attention. The church was built of red brick, and the facade is lined with white marble. The frescoes inside are by renowned artists Donato Montorfano and Gaudenzo Ferrari.

The inner courtyard of the church is also very beautiful - in the middle of it there is a small fountain. The temple was painted for a very long time. Basically, here you can see scenes from the Bible. But still, the main thing for which tourists come here is to admire the fresco "The Last Supper" by Leonardo da Vinci. She is in the dining room. Its size reaches almost 9 m. The great Leonardo wanted the monks to have a feeling - Jesus Christ is sitting at the table with them.

Sempione Park

A real oasis in the center of Milan. The green zone is located near the Sforza castle. If in the middle of a tiring day you just want to relax - come here. The park was founded in the 19th century and has been preserved in its original form. Coniferous and deciduous trees grow here, roses bloom. Guests admire the beautiful ponds where swans and ducks swim. There are fountains, one of them with mineral water.

There are fields for football and Frisbee, bicycle paths, children's playgrounds. There are also cafes open here. In general, the territory of the park covers about 50 hectares. The attraction of the park is the Arch of Peace, built in the middle of the 19th century by the architect Giuseppe Londoni. And the idea of ​​its creation belongs to Napoleon himself.

central part park zone occupies the Palace of Arts, where exhibitions are constantly held. The paths of the park bear the names of poets and writers. Nearby is the oldest aquarium in Europe, where you can see various marine life.

Pinacoteca Brera

This is the most famous art gallery in Milan, it was opened at the beginning of the 19th century. Art lovers simply can not get around it. Here you can see paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio, Modigliani and Tintoretto. In total, the gallery occupies 38 rooms, and is located in a real palace of the 16th century.

At one time, Queen Maria Theresa of Austria ordered to arrange an art gallery for students studying at the Academy of Arts. The main treasure of the gallery is the painting "The Betrothal of the Virgin Mary" by Raphael. In addition to Italian works, other great European artists are exhibited here - Rembrandt, El Greco, Goya, etc. One of the halls is given to the masters of the 20th century.

ambrosian basilica

This basilica was built in ancient times - in the 4th century. It is also called the Basilica of the Martyrs. Bishop Ambrose was honored by both Catholics and Orthodox. Initially, he built not a basilica, but a chapel, where those who died for their faith were commemorated. And he served here for 18 years. The chapel was next to the cemetery. After his death, Ambrose was also buried here. The church canonized him, and pilgrims flocked here.

In the 8th century, the chapel was greatly expanded. Later, 2 bell towers appeared above it, one after the other - the Bell Tower of the Monks and the Tower of the Canons. In the middle of the 19th century, the basilica was restored, returning it to its original Romanesque style. Once again, it had to be restored after the Second World War, when the basilica was significantly damaged as a result of air strikes.

La Scala Theater

The whole world knows about La Scala theater. The most famous singers of our planet have performed and continue to perform on its stage. The unsurpassed acoustics of the theater, its unfading glory - make all fans strive to come here operatic art. Perhaps you will be able to get to one of the performances. The theater was erected on the site of the church of Santa Maria della Scala, after the building of the Royal Theater burned down in the second half of the 18th century.

Milan, on the other hand, has always been considered the capital of Italian opera and should have retained this title. The architect was Giuseppe Piermarini. The hall has the shape of a horseshoe, and almost 200 boxes fit in 5 tiers. External severity and luxurious interior decoration of steel calling card theater. On August 3, 1778, the theater was opened.

Poldi Pezzoli Museum

One of the most interesting museums in Europe, with the richest collection of exhibits. Here you can see not only works of art, but also samples of weapons, male and female Jewelry as well as antiques. Once the owner of all this was a wealthy resident of Milan. A passionate collector, he bequeathed all the collected exhibits to his beloved city. The building itself is also interesting, in which you can see the features of Gothic, Rococo and Renaissance.

Basilica of San Lorenzo

This basilica is the second largest church in the city. It was built at the end of the 4th century, and it is still unknown who was its architect. And they consecrated the temple in the year 590 - in honor of St. Lawrence, the archdeacon. He was martyred for his faith in cruel times ancient rome. The basilica is shaped like a quatrefoil. Most likely, its original dome collapsed, and a new one had to be erected.

A sacred place for Catholics is the Chapel di Sant'Aquilino. It has 8 faces, and here is the tomb of the holy martyr. The bell tower of the 12th century, built in the Romanesque style, as well as the balconies on which women prayed, also survived. Very beautiful basilica great impression You can immediately see how old it is.

monumental cemetery

Cimitero Monumentale was founded in 1866. Many famous artists, musicians, scientists are buried here. Today the cemetery is a real open-air museum of sculpture and architecture. Here lie Giuseppe Verdi, conductor Arturo Toscanini, tenor Franco Corelli, and many other people who brought glory to Italy. Monuments are unusual, expressive and beautiful.

How and what to save

A tourist who goes to Milan on his own can save a lot if he knows how and on what to do it.

If you go to the city by bus, and not by taxi, you can save up to 100 euros. So, if you are flying on a Pobeda airline plane, you can buy a ticket for the company’s own bus in advance, and get to the bus station in the center of Milan for 1000 rubles. It also saves a lot on public transport. Tickets are sold in the metro, at newsstands.

You will spend about 60 euros a day on trips around the city by taxi, travel in public transport will turn out to be 4.5 euros. Don't forget to validate your tickets at the entrance. You can also save money on dinners. Instead of 50 euros, an evening meal will cost you 8-10 euros per person. The city has a tradition of aperitifs before dinner - this is approximately from 18 to 20 hours.

The cafe fixes the prices for drinks - they will cost 8-9 euros. The rest of the day's food is laid out for free " Buffet". So you only have to pay for a glass of wine. When it comes to shopping, you might be surprised by the small number of people in the big malls on the outskirts. The most popular shops are located in the city center. This is where you go for sales. For example, the price of shoes and handbags at this time is dropped by half or even more.

New Year sales last from January 5 to February 15, summer sales continue throughout August. The most profitable time for shopping is the second and third week of sales. If there is no item in your size for sale - do not hesitate to ask. The seller can look for the right thing in the warehouse or call a nearby store.

A tourist who comes to Milan on his own has advantages. Those who arrive as part of an organized tour are usually simply driven to a large shopping center, and the crowd sweeps everything from the shelves there.

Milano Card

It is very convenient to use MilanoCard during the trip. With this map, you can explore the city on your own. You will ride transport for free, get discounts in museums, restaurants, excursions, even in luggage storage.

It will be cheaper to rent bicycles and buy souvenirs. With this card, you can travel by train to other cities at a discount and visit the museums of Rome, Venice and Florence, or go to other settlements.

What's included:

1. Free travel in public transport for 1-3 days
2. 1 trip with a personal driver
3. Free call for medical assistance if necessary
4. A sweet cupcake and an updated guide to Milan are also free
5. 30% discount on train travel to Italian cities
6. Free: photo printing and Wi-Fi at the airport (1 hour)
7. Discounts on entry to the most popular museums. This - National Museum science and technology, the Leonardo Museum, the Poldi Pezzoli Museum, the Teatro alla Scala Museum, and many others

You will also receive a 10% discount when purchasing a tourist MuseumCard, which gives you the right to visit all public museums in the city.

Milan City Pass

Another way to save money is to get to know Milan by purchasing a 48-hour Milan Pass. This will provide an opportunity to get discounts in restaurants and shops, museums and when buying tickets for various shows. You can choose the option of traveling in a 2-way sightseeing bus with an audio guide on board. Or take advantage of the right to free travel on public transport - these are 5 metro lines and 100 bus and tram lines.

There are also full package allowing you to combine both of these options. Also, you will be allowed to enter the main museums of the city for free: the La Scala Theater Museum, the Duomo Cathedral, the Museum of Science and Technology, the interactive "World of Leonardo" and many others. You will receive a free map of Milan, a poster of all events, vouchers with offers from partner companies (for a total of 300 euros).

shopping

Here a lot depends on whether you are going to buy fashionable and prestigious things. famous brands in high-end boutiques, or you are interested in the opportunity to purchase quality products for affordable price. In any case, it makes sense to visit outlets - huge shopping centers where branded clothes are sold at discounted prices.

First of all, it is worth buying products from Italian manufacturers - their prices will be the lowest. Compared to buying a similar item abroad, here in Italy you will be able to save around 40%. In addition, new collections are constantly appearing on sale. You can bring very beautiful designer furniture, cheese and wine, textiles, shoes and clothes, leather goods, perfumes.

The best time to shop is during the sales season. Since Milanese buy things, like most Europeans, twice a year, there are also two sales. As already mentioned, one starts after the New Year holidays and ends in February (it’s better not to wait until the last days of February, there are not many left on the shelves). The peak of the summer sale is in August - this time is especially suitable for tourists, most of whom come to Italy in the summer.

During sales for 70-100 euros you can buy a good jacket or coat, for 50 euros - a sweater or dress. Jeans and blouses are even cheaper. In most stores, it is most convenient to pay with credit cards of major banking systems. You can also do this in cash - best of all, in local currency. Otherwise, the course foreign exchange will not be the best for you.

When buying some things, you immediately pay the value added tax included in the price of the goods - from 12 to 35%. It is most convenient to buy things in stores with a sign "Euro Free Tax". In that case, no tax will be charged. You present your passport to the seller, fill out a special form, and the store deducts the amount of value added tax from the price of the goods. You receive one copy of the completed form in your hands, the other is sent to the Trade Tax Consolidated Organization.

Excursions

And, of course, excursions. You can go sightseeing on your own. But it is even more convenient to use a special service.

For example, tripster. Since 2013, the company has been organizing individual tours in more than 430 cities around the world. Moreover, you can choose a guide on your own. Are you an architect? Your colleague will introduce you to the city and its architecture. Interested in shopping? You will go to see Milan accompanied by a guide who "ate the dog" while shopping.

So, in Milan Tripster offers about 40 excursions. These are "Christian Milan" and "Milan of Leonardo da Vinci", a special photo session or a bike ride, a trip around the city at night or "Delicious Milan". In short, the choice is huge.

Another option is Sputnik8. You can book excursions in Russian around the world, including Milan. Your guides will be those for whom Russian is their native language. At the same time, all excursions are copyrighted, that is, unique and exciting. The guides will also arrange for you to visit any museum in the city.

Thanks to Sputnik8, you will get general idea about the city, get to know “non-touristic Milan”, see the Duomo Cathedral, learn rare urban legends, taste the most delicious Milanese dishes, ride a motorcycle. Individual excursions give you the opportunity to see the most interesting for you, and, if necessary, adjust the route. In addition, all the attention of the guide will be given to you.

TOP 20 places to visit in Milan

If you go to Milan, knowing only that it is one of the world's fashion centers and the financial capital of Italy, you risk missing out on all the fun. This city has a rich and ancient history and is literally filled with works of art and architectural masterpieces.

So, so that you are not confused among all this diversity, TripMyDream has compiled the TOP 20 places thanks to which Milan will enchant you at first sight and forever.

This majestic Gothic building is rightfully a symbol and one of its main decorations.

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A rare tourist will pass by this giant, because the cathedral is beautiful both outside and inside: soaring pointed arches, columns and sculptures, luxurious murals - you can’t take your eyes off the decoration of the Duomo. It seems like you have entered another dimension. What are only the stained-glass windows, fantastic in their beauty, the oldest of which is already more than 500 years old!

In the cathedral you can also read the names of all the archbishops of Milan (since the 1st century), carved in stone, look at the tombs of saints, decorated with paintings from the life of St. Ambrose, and listen to one of the best organs in the world.

The Duomo is open daily from 09:00 to 18:00 (from 12:00 to 14:30 - break). Free admission.

Perhaps the most popular Milanese castle among tourists, built in the 15th century as the residence of the Milanese dukes from the dynasty of the same name. Today it is hospitably open to those wishing to get acquainted not only with the life of the nobility of those times, but also with the works of art of famous Italians.

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By paying 15 euros, you will get access to the halls of the museum at the castle, where furniture and housewares, as well as an art gallery with paintings by such painters as Mantegna, Bellini and Correggio. There is a separate hall dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci (who, by the way, personally decorated the castle). The Archaeological Museum is also worth a visit.

Sforza Castle is open to the public from 07:00 to 19:30. You can get into its territory for free, paid entrance only to museums.

Museums are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 17:30. Ticket price - €8 (until 01/10/2016 according to the official website).

On a note: on Fridays after 14:00 the museum is open to everyone free of charge.

The castle can be reached by trams No. 1, 2, 4, 12, 14, 19 or buses No. 18, 37, 50, 58, 61, 94.

Milan itself is a work of art, not to mention its museums and galleries! To visit here and not see at least part of their riches? It's impossible!

The best place to get acquainted with the masterpieces of Italian (and not only) masters is the Brera Pinacoteca - the largest museum in Milan. Here is one of the most large collections Italian painting of the XIV-XIX centuries, and also a collection of European painting of the XV-XVII centuries. Van Dyck, El Greco, Goya, Rembrandt, Caravaggio - these names sound like music to the ears of lovers of beauty. But even if you don’t consider yourself one of those, it’s still worth visiting the Pinakothek!

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The Pinacoteca is located on Via Brera, 28. You can get there by buses number 61 and 97. Opening hours: Tue-Fri, Sun - 08:30-19:15. Saturday - from 08:30 to 23:00. The ticket costs €10.

Be sure to take the time to visit the Basilica of St. Ambrose to see with your own eyes this building, which is almost a thousand years old. The ancient building seems to be saturated with history and the spirit of bygone centuries: beautiful murals, paintings on religious subjects, church utensils - there is something to admire here! A wonderful place to feel the unique atmosphere of antiquity and peace.

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The basilica is located at Piazza Sant "Ambrogio, 15. It is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:30 to 18:00. On Sundays - from 15:00 to 17:00. There is a fee on the Basilica website there is no entry fee, so it is supposed to be free.

The Brera quarter is one of the places where a tourist in Milan should go on an adventure hunt. The quarter is famous not so much for its proximity to the Duomo and the Pinacoteca, but for its unique color.

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Walk through the colorful labyrinths of streets, sit on the terrace of a cozy cafe or stop to listen to a street musician. Or maybe you want to know your fate? No problems! There are fortune tellers here too.

The undoubted plus of the Brera quarter is an exclusively pedestrian zone (only its residents are allowed to enter). So - a minimum of transport and a maximum of freedom of movement. And, of course, the mass great photos in addition!

The Brera quarter is surrounded by Via Pontaccio, Via Borgonuovo, Via del Lauro and Via Monte di Pieta, and Via Mercato. The nearest metro stations are Lanza, Cairoli and Montenapoleone.

The Church of San Maurizio is just the case when clothes are not judged. The seemingly unremarkable basilica instantly appears differently as soon as you enter it. Inside, visitors can expect a magnificent interior with amazingly beautiful frescoes of the 16th century, painted by the best artists of Lombardy.

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In addition, next to the church, in the halls of the former monastery, there is the Museum of Archeology with a rich collection of weapons (Celtic, Etruscan and Roman), jewelry, ceramics and household items.

The entrance to the church is free. Opening hours: Mon-Sat - 09:30-17:30. You can get here by metro (get off at Cadorna Fn. line 2 or Cairoli line 1).

Another Milanese treasury, which is a sin not to pay attention. The Poldi Pezzoli Museum presents the private collection of Gian Giacomo Poldi Pezzoli, which includes works of art, ancient weapons, jewelry and antiques collected by the owner throughout his life. Here, among other things, you can see paintings by Botticelli, Bellini, Mantegna and many other masters of Italian painting.

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The museum is located in Via Alessandro Manzoni, 12 and is open from Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00. Ticket price - €8. You can get here by metro (line M3, stop Montenapoleone or Duomo and line M1, stop Duomo).

Did you know that Milan has its own Grand Canal? Well, now you know for sure. Naviglio Grande is not just any, but the oldest canal in Europe (built in the 12th century) with a length of 48 kilometers. It connects Milan with the town of Tornavento.

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Today Naviglio Grande is not only incredible beautiful place for walking (especially in the evening), but also the focus of the city's nightlife. A great variety of bars and restaurants for every taste attract fans of active nightlife here, and the famous aperitivo (happy hour option) allows you to taste the local cuisine almost for nothing (aperitivo principle - you pay only for a drink, and a free buffet - in addition). And every last Sunday of the month, a large flea market runs along Naviglio Grande.

The closest metro station to the canal is Porta Genova F.s. and the Basilica of San Lorenzo Maggiore is a 15-minute walk away.

prompt: In the spring, the canal is often drained for cleaning, so consider this fact if you want to see it in all its glory.

One of the favorite vacation spots of the Milanese, Sempione Park - amazing corner wildlife in the middle of a busy city. It is good to come here after a long walk around the city, walk along shady alleys, look at graceful statues or feed ducks and swans by the pond. And if you want - go to the aquarium (entrance is free). For lovers active rest the park has cycle tracks and sports fields, and the park observation tower offers an impressive view of the city.

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The park is open daily from 06:30 to 22:00 (summer) and from 06:30 to 20:00 (winter). You can get to the park by metro (station Lanza Brero Piccolo or Teatro Cairoli Castello) or tram number 12, 14 (stop Bramante Lega Lombarda).

10. Museum of Science and Technology

This is probably one of the most informative museums in Milan: as many as three floors dedicated to all kinds of human technical inventions! Here you will find everything from a steam engine to a submarine. Radio waves and electricity, television and telegraph, clocks and astronomical instruments - both adults and children will be interested here. And, of course, be sure to look into the hall of inventions of Leonardo himself - maybe you will be able to solve the riddle of the great genius?

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The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 09:30 to 17:00. On Saturdays and holidays - from 09:30 to 18:30. On Mondays, as well as December 25 and January 1, the museum is closed.

The ticket price is €10 (full) and €7.50 for youth under 25 (passport required), children from 3 to 13, senior citizens over 65 and groups of 10 people. For children under 3 and people with handicapped(together with an attendant) admission is free.

Museum address: Via San Vittore, 21. Buses number 50, 58, 94 go to the museum.

Even if mind-blowing shopping is not your plan, the Victor Emmanuel II Gallery should simply be on your must-visit list. Mosaic decorations, sculptures, statues, frescoes decorating the gallery, the famous glass dome - it seems as if you are inside a huge kaleidoscope! In addition, from the gallery you can go to two famous Milanese sights - the Duomo Cathedral and La Scala.

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Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is located in Piazza del Duomo and is open around the clock (unlike shops that close at 22:00), so you can wander around this mini-museum at any time.

For those who have not yet quenched their thirst for beauty, the Amvrosian Art Gallery should be the next stop on the itinerary. The gallery is considered the very first museum in Milan, because it was founded in early XVII century, and its collections will be the envy of any museum in the world. In addition to the paintings of such masters as Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio, there is a whole exposition entirely dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci, with canvases and original manuscripts of the genius.

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You can visit the gallery from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00 to 19:00. On Easter and Christmas, as well as on January 1 and May 1, the museum is closed. Ticket price - €15. Address: Piazza Pio XI, 2.

To diversify your cultural tour of Milan, make time for the Gallery of Modern Art. Her collection contains more than 2,500 works of art, both Italian (where would they be without them!), And French masters of the 18th-20th centuries. Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Modigliani, Canova, Boccioni - and this is far from complete list. Well, if you get tired of the abundance of beauty, take a break by looking into the cozy garden that is laid out around the gallery building.

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The gallery is located at Via Palestro, 16. The nearest metro station is Palestro (line M1). Opening hours: Tue-Sun - from 09:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:30. Free admission.

14. Igrosso area

People usually go to Milan either for its cultural values, or for more material values, in other words, for shopping. If you are one of the latter, the Ingrosso area is just what you need. Here, on the streets between Milano Centrale station and Republica metro station, various wholesale and discount stores have gathered, where you can find some unusual and original creation of a young creative designer or even a recognized master of the fashion industry.

True, there are some nuances here - for example, it is not always possible to find something worthwhile on the go. That's why most of Ingrosso's stores are forward-thinking and issue a general brochure that informs about all upcoming events, discounts and sales, as well as the opening hours during Fashion Weeks and holidays. You can get it in any boutique, you just have to ask.

This church is popular primarily for the fact that the famous “Last Supper” by Leonardo do Vinci is located here. Although in fact the fresco is located not in the church itself, but on the back wall of the refectory, in the building of the former Dominican monastery, which is nearby.

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However, even if you didn't buy a ticket a couple of months (or at least weeks) in advance to see the masterpiece, don't be discouraged. The church itself is also worth seeing. Inside, of course, it is not as large-scale as the Duomo, but this intimacy, combined with painted ceilings, columns and graceful arches, creates an amazing atmosphere of peace and lightness.