As noted in the last post, Milan is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage that is often overshadowed by its title as fashion capital of Italy. One of the areas in which the city really excels is in her architecture and there are some incredible buildings in the city from ancient churches to contemporary explorations into modern living. If you are an enthusiast or merely a normal tourist, these buildings are sure to impress. Just find a vacation rental in Milan, take note of this guide and track down the most beautiful buildings in Milan.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, perhaps, the most famous place to shop in Milan. The shopping centre, or mall, is located right by the Duomo and is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Even if you're not buying anything, it's probably the best place you could possibly go for a little window-shopping as it is so stunningly opulent and beautiful.
3. Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, perhaps, the most famous place to shop in Milan. The shopping centre, or mall, is located right by the Duomo and is one of the oldest shopping malls in the world. Even if you're not buying anything, it's probably the best place you could possibly go for a little window-shopping as it is so stunningly opulent and beautiful.
Begun in 1865, it was designed by Giuseppe Mengoni and consists of two glass-vaulted arcades intersecting in an octagon covering the street connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala with a glass dome at the centre. The stores are principally made up of luxury retailers such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and Versace but there are also restaurants and cafés. Even if you don't have the money to splash out on designer goods, it is well worth wandering the building and grabbing a coffee to sit back and admire just how lovely it is.
4. Castello Sforza
Another iconic building in Milan is the 15th century Sforza Castle, or Castello Sforza. Built on the site of an earlier, 14th structure, the present building has been added to and enlarged over the centuries and is now one of the largest castles in Europe.
4. Castello Sforza
Another iconic building in Milan is the 15th century Sforza Castle, or Castello Sforza. Built on the site of an earlier, 14th structure, the present building has been added to and enlarged over the centuries and is now one of the largest castles in Europe.
Commissioned by Francesco Sforza, the Duke of Milan, it became the palace of the ruling Dukes of Milan before becoming a cultural complex that is home to several museums and art galleries. With its impressive quadrangular defensive walls and square towers, it is a striking and imposing building.
Today, tourists can freely walk through the castle grounds or pay a small fee to explore the many museums and art spaces within. Open all week, except for Mondays, it houses the Museum of Ancient Art (which even has a piece by Michelangelo), the Museum of Ancient Furniture, The Museum of Decorative Arts and much more besides. Beautiful, fascinating, combining multiple attractions under one roof and offering excellent city views, it is one of the must-see buildings in Milan.
Be sure to read on to the final post in this series for our last picks of must-see buildings in Milan.
Today, tourists can freely walk through the castle grounds or pay a small fee to explore the many museums and art spaces within. Open all week, except for Mondays, it houses the Museum of Ancient Art (which even has a piece by Michelangelo), the Museum of Ancient Furniture, The Museum of Decorative Arts and much more besides. Beautiful, fascinating, combining multiple attractions under one roof and offering excellent city views, it is one of the must-see buildings in Milan.
Be sure to read on to the final post in this series for our last picks of must-see buildings in Milan.
