The Most Beautiful Buildings In Milan

Milan is Italy's fashion capital and, while it may not be as famous a cultural centre internationally as some Italian cities, it is, in fact, rich in historic and artistic heritage. The city's architecture, in particular, is incredibly fascinating. From ancient keeps to modern feats, Milan is home to some rather extraordinary buildings that are a must-see for those interested in architecture or those who have a fondness for photogenic gems to fill up their feeds. Just find a vacation rental in Milan, take note of this guide and track down the most beautiful buildings in Milan.

1. Milan's Duomo

Milan's famous gothic cathedral, or Duomo, is one of the most famous and iconic buildings in the city and a definite highlight.

The second largest cathedral in the world after Seville Cathedral in Andalusia in Spain, it is located at the very centre and in the oldest part of the city that dates back to when it was an ancient Roman city called Mediolanum. A basilica was built on the site in the 5th century but was later destroyed in a fire. In the 14th century Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo commissioned an elaborate Duomo and it was completed in the 19th century, though some parts of the façade are still waiting to be carved into religious statues. Majestic, ornate and beautiful, the finished product houses around 40,000 people and is now one of the city's most important tourist attractions.

2. Bosco Verticale

From old to new, one of the most intriguing buildings in all of Milan is the Bosco Verticale, or Vertical Forest. A highly unique building, it was only finished and opened in 2014 and is comprised of a pair of high-rise buildings that are made up of 27 storeys with cantilevered balconies planted with 900 trees and more than 2,000 shrubs and bushes.

The effect is astonishing, two lush structures emerging from the earth and towering (the taller being 112 metres in height) over the surrounding buildings. Designed by architect Stefano Boeri, the buildings form part of his “BioMilano: Six Ideas For a Bio-diverse Metropolis”.

The buildings are located on the edge of the Isola neighbourhood, in the centre of Milan, and are designed as efficient, environmentally friendly dwellings that give their inhabitants the highest possible quality of life. While the buildings are private dwellings and can't be visited as tourist attractions can be, they can certainly be admired from the surrounding area or from up close, if you wish to get a closer look.

Be sure to read on to the next post in this series for more architectural gems in Milan to keep an eye out for when you visit the city.