A trip to Milan
From Maccagno you can quickly get to Milan, which promises much more than just fashion.
You can start your discovery tour at the Castello Sforzesco or at the Cathedral Square.
The impressive Castello Sforzesco is a mighty fortress and former residence of the Sforza and Visconti families. The imposing red-brick building with two huge round towers dates from the Renaissance and has undergone numerous extensions and destructions over the centuries. Today, the Castello Sforzesco houses various museums with precious collections.
Milan Cathedral
Milan Cathedral is the landmark of Milan and the most important work of Gothic architecture in Italy. The “Duomo”, which took 5 centuries to build, is enthroned on the cathedral square with its imposing façade of white marble, it’s 5 boats and almost 4000 statues. A special feature is the roof, from the cathedral terrace there is a wonderful panoramic view over the city.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele
Another top sight is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, which is located in the immediate vicinity of Milan Cathedral. This beautiful shopping arcade with its chic shops is always worth a visit and invites you to admire the architecture and stroll around.
La Scala
At the rear exit of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is the world’s leading opera house, “La Scala”, which seats a total of 2200 people. Opened in 1778 by the Austrian Empress Maria Theresa, the theatre was destroyed during the Second World War. Arturo Toscanini conducted the ceremonial concert for the reconstruction in 1946.
Quadrilatero della Moda
From the “La Scala” theatre it is only a stone’s throw to the so-called “Quadrilatero della Moda”. Between Via Montenapoleone, Via Alessandro Manzoni, Via della Spiga and Corso Venezia, jewellers, designer boutiques and ateliers of the most important fashion brands present themselves and create a magical atmosphere with their shop windows.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
In the heart of Milan is another architectural masterpiece, the Santa Maria delle Grazie Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous painting, “The Last Supper”. The painting, which covers an entire wall in the monks’ dining room, has been fully restored and has been open to the public again since 1999.
Brera
Art lovers will also get their money’s worth in the Brera district. The traditional artists’ quarter is not only bustling with galleries, art and antique shops, but also with many restaurants, cafés and bars. Here you will find the Accademia delle Belle Arti (Academy of Fine Arts) and the Pinacoteca di Brera (Picture Gallery) with masterpieces by leading Italian artists from the 13th to the 20th century such as Raphael, Mantegna, Modigliani and Carrà.
Bosco Verticale
A new centre of culture, fashion and design has now been created in the Porta Nuova district. A unique project in the context of sustainability has been realised here. 20 different deciduous and coniferous trees as well as 80 different plant species adorn the façade of the high-rise complex “Bosco Verticale”. This is a somewhat different forest in the heart of the city.
In the Navigli district, on the other hand, you can discover Milan’s original setting and enjoy a typical Italian “aperitivo” with tasty snacks in a relaxed atmosphere in one of the numerous trendy restaurants right on the waterfront.