We arrived in Milan eager to dive into the city’s rich blend of art, history and modern fashion. Even the journey itself—speeding across northern Italy by train—set the stage for a memorable visit.
Our first stop was Santa Maria delle Grazie, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece The Last Supper. Seeing the mural in person was awe‑inspiring; the subtle expressions and use of perspective felt even more powerful than any reproduction.
Afterward we wandered through the cloisters of the adjoining Dominican convent, savoring the quiet courtyard and imagining life here in the 15th century.
Next we made our way to Castello Sforzesco, the imposing red‑brick fortress that once housed Milan’s ruling family. Inside its walls we explored courtyards, museums and art collections, including Michelangelo’s unfinished Rondanini Pietà.
Strolling through Parco Sempione behind the castle offered a bit of greenery and views of the Torre Branca and Arco della Pace.
No visit to Milan would be complete without the Duomo. We approached the cathedral from Piazza del Duomo, craning our necks to take in the forest of spires and statues adorning its façade.
Inside, the vast nave and intricate stained glass windows left us speechless. We took the elevator up to the rooftop terraces, where we walked among marble pinnacles and enjoyed sweeping views over the city.
After descending, we ducked into the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest shopping arcade. The iron‑and‑glass roof, mosaic floors and designer storefronts create a grand atmosphere perfect for people‑watching over espresso.
We also explored the stylish Brera district, with its narrow streets, art galleries and cozy cafés. A visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera allowed us to see works by Caravaggio, Raphael and other masters.
Lunch was a plate of saffron risotto alla milanese and ossobuco at a local trattoria. Simple yet rich flavors fueled us for more wandering.
In the afternoon we admired the modern skyscrapers of the Porta Nuova district, including the curved Unicredit Tower. Milan seamlessly blends old and new.
As evening fell, we returned to Piazza del Duomo to watch the sunset paint the cathedral’s marble in warm hues. Street musicians played and the piazza buzzed with both locals and visitors.
For dinner we treated ourselves to traditional aperitivo in the Navigli district, where canals are lined with bars and restaurants. Spritz in hand, we reflected on the art and architecture we’d seen.
Milan surprised us with its depth and diversity—from Renaissance masterpieces to contemporary design. It’s a city that rewards slow exploration, and we left knowing we’d only scratched the surface.
