Visit the surrounding of Milan - Tourism and travel tips for your vacation or weekend.

Are you planning your holiday or a weekend in the surrounding of Milan? Do you want to know the main information about the surrounding of Milan? On Visititaly you will find guides and suggestions written by the editorial staff, travel experiences of navigators who, like you, have chosen this area as a destination to spend their holidays. Check out interesting proposals for a weekend in the surrounding of Milan and holiday ideas to discover the area with Visititaly's travel tips.

Travel guides and videos

A night at the Opera: Milan's La Scala

The Museum of Science and Technique

The Palace of Brera

Milan, the Pinacoteca of Brera

The Monumental Cemetery

Milan, the Sforza Castle

Milan Food tasting in Milan

Milan the Basil of S.Ambrose

Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa

Milan Shopping spree in Milan

Inter Fc and Milan AC Museum

The Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie's Church

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Milan Christmas fairs and markets in Milan

Milan Milan By Night

Milan An Inter - Milan match in san siro

Milan Navigli, Brera and Arch of Peace: a trip into Milan’s nightilfe

Milan A green Milan

Teatro alla scala, milan's most exclusive lounge

Galleria Vittoria Emanuele, one of the best milan's sightseeings

Milan Triennale, Milan design’s home

Milan Milan seen with the eyes of Alessandro Manzoni, the famous writer

Palazzolo Milanese Fisogni Museum of the Petrol Station

Milan, the Pinacoteca of Brera

Milan, the Brera Art Gallery

The collections of the Pinacoteca of Brera are born from the concentration of paintings requisite following emanation of suppression laws about churches and convents in the Napoleonic age (1798) and got rich when the Belle Arti Academy was assigned to collaborate; some works then became the symbol of the museum: The Wedding of the Virgo (1504) of Raffaello; The Madonna with his Child (1510) of Gentile Bellini; The Crucifixion di Bramantino.

With the crowning of Napoleone (1805), the most important paintings by the departments of the Kingdom flowed in the Pinacoteca. Many works from Veneto, some paintings of the Carracci, Guido Reni, Francesco Albani and Guercino reached Brera.

In 1813, thanks to an accord with the Museum of the Louvre, five paintings of Rubens, Joardens, Van Dyck and Rembrandt to represent the Flemish school of the XVII century reached Milan. In the same years frescos of Bernardino Luini, Gaudenzio Ferrari, Vincenzo Foppa, Borgognone and Bramantino came from various churches the giving origin so to one of the most greater collections.

From 1815, with the restoration, the Dead Christ of Mantegna, and The Madonna of the Roseto of Luini, reach Brera in 1826.

In 1882 the Brera’s Pinacoteca was made autonomous and separated from the Belle Arti Academy which big part of the nineteenth-century paintings was submitted. The museum was entirely rearranged and enlarged, thanks also to purchases of fundamental works like pictures by Correggio, Pietro Longhi, Piazzetta, Tiepolo, Canaletto andFattori, as well as the Supper in Emmaus of Caravaggio and The Vine-trellis of Silvestro Lega, purchased thanks to the Friends of Brera Association and the Milanese Museums.

The renewed museum and inaugurated in the of 1950, it assumes a modern character. With the enlargement of museum in the eighteenth-century Citterio Palace, the Pinacoteca purchased new spaces extending itself with most greater Italian artists works of first nine-hundred, as Boccioni, Braque, Carrà, De Pisis, Marino Marini, Modigliani and Morandi. In the eighties a new order museografico for Brera is studied, characterized by inedited and innovative materials.

scritto da Chiara Guzzetti - ultima modifica il 16/11/2021

Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa

Inside view of San Bernardino alle ossa church

The church and sanctuary dates back to the 13th century, when an ossary was also built alongside for use as part of the cemetery for those who died in the nearby “Brolo” hospital. Both structures were seriously damaged in 1642, when the belltower of the adjacent church Santo Stefano collapsed. The Ossary was repaired, while the church-sanctuary was rebuilt by Andrea Biffi in 1679.

The present-day atrium was designed by Carlo Giuseppe Merlo, one of the architects working at the Veneranda Fabbrica del Duomo (the company that built the Cathedral). Work started in 1712 and was completed in 1750. Outside, the building is not particularly dramatic, but it is nonetheless interesting for its architecture.

However the real focus of this location is the ossary-chapel. This is a small square-plan chapel, with a small, decorative altar surrounded by votive offerings and relics. The ceiling consists of a small frescoed dome, with angels and clouds on a sky-blue background.

The walls of the chapel are lined by human bones, probably from the people who died in what was the hospital of San Barnaba in Brolo, victims of the plague. Other remains may have come from 16th century cemeteries that were later suppressed. The skulls enclosed in the sections above the external part are those of prisoners condemned to death. San Bernardino alle Ossa is known as the “most Piedmont-like church in Milan” because of its Baroque-Rococo style.

The 16th century canvases inside include depictions of Saint Lucio, patron saint of cheesemakers, whose Confraternity is located in this church. According to a legend, on 2 November, the day of the dead (All Souls), the bones of a little girl on the left of the altar return to life, leading all the other skeletons in a sort of danse macabre.

Inside the church, don’t miss the altar dedicated to Maria Magdalene, with a painting by Federico Ferrario (1714 -1802), and the altar dedicated to Saint Rosalia. The Baroque dome is also noteworthy.

scritto da Cedric Mills - ultima modifica il 17/11/2021

The Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie's Church

Milan, the Last Supper, Leonardo Da Vinci in Santa Maria delle Grazie Church

The Church and Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the home of Leonardo's Last Supper, is one of the most beautiful churches in Italy and a reference point point of the Milanese architecture, tied up to the name of Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante. In the ancient Dominican convent refectory is possible to admire the famous "The Last Supper" known also as "The Cenacle" of the Leonardo, initiated in 1495 and finished in 1498.

The 1999 restauration has confirmed all the dramatic expressive strength of this extraordinary masterpiece of the Christian art. The addition of the part absidale or gallery is owed to Donato Bramante. In 1463 the duke of Milan Francesco I Sforza decided to build, on Guiniforte’s Solari project, a Dominican convent and a church on the place where a small chapel devoted to St. Maria delle Grazie was found.
The night of August 15 th 1943, the American Anglo bombardiers struck the church and the convent. The refectory was completely destroyed. Only few walls, among which that of the Cenacle was standing.

Despite the terrible devastations, thanks to the Milaneses spirit of initiative, the church is been able to return to the ancient splendor returning the precious art works that have kept. In the first chapel, the principal attraction is represented by two precious sarcophaguses of Francis Olgiati, of the '500. Also in the fifth chapel a real masterpiece: a parade of angels in plaster. Very beautiful are the benches of the' 500, with inlays of various wood types.

To see is the bramantesca gallery: the extreme grace of the presbytery with his archway. Here is possible to admire one of most beautiful wooden choirs at inlay of the Renaissance. In the beautiful litte cloister adjacent to the gallery, on the door that conducts to the sacristy, is possible to admire a Bramantino’s fresco.

scritto da Chiara Guzzetti - ultima modifica il 17/11/2021

Christmas fairs and markets in Milan

Christmas Fair in Piazza Duomo, Milan

Milan is one of the more popular and best destinations where you can spend Christmas vacations. Thanks to the number of events hosted daily, like cultural initiatives, fairs, free concerts, typical markets and much more. All this has made Milan one of the best and most attractive towns in Europe for both the young and old people. Especially during Christmas festive, the city assumes a new face; all starts on the 7th of December with a marvelous feasting celebration for the city’s patron, Saint’Ambrose. The day also coincides with the famous and an ancient Christmas market day full of typical products and sweet: the "Oh Bej! Oh Bej!" fair featuring: wine, craft vendors from Piazza Sant'Ambrogio and food. Special churches services during this occasion are held in Duomo. During this festive season, you will have the chance to visit the famous Christmas Craft Fair of Milan L’Artigiano in Fiera, which is largest crafts exhibition in Italy, attracting thousands of foreign exhibitors and visitors to Fiera Milano. With food, clothes, jewelers, antiques, furniture etc. on offer, this places the best alternative for shoppers during Christmas festive. For the running second year, Milan own Christmas Theme Park, the Villaggio delle Meraviglie will be operationalized in the lovely serene Giardini Pubblici Montanelli’s surrounding, one of the best and nicest parks in Milan’s centre. You will also have the opportunity to be entertained by the fairytale village, which is inspired by Christmas. If you have children, the house of Santa will be there, where they can hand Santa Claus their Christmas letters. Adjacent to Santa’s apartment, a toy factory where kids can draw their preferred character will there enabling them to see the animations of their drawings. There will also be rollercoaster in Santa sleigh’s shape; ridding along the mountains snow for the children to see. There will be a rink of ice-skating also where alongside free skating, lessons, and sessions many shows and exhibitions will take place. During Christmas season, Milan’s shopping is unlike other shopping experiences you may have experienced in the past. Most expensive prestigious boutiques and showrooms globally can be seen lining the pedestrian walkways and boulevards in Milan. For instance, Via Montenapoleone the famous crosses Via Della Spiga which in turn is crossed by Via Sant'Andrea forms a part of real estate’s commercials including outlets for Gucci, Cavalli, Versace, Valentino, Louis Vuitton, and Prada among others. This shopping section is just for the high-end goods. When you go shopping for the middle range accessories and fashion the alternatives are even more thrilling. Milan, like any other Italian cities in general, observe Christmas quietly. Here you will see families re-uniting, friends reconciling and the poor fed. During this festive season shop for gifts but also of most important, think of what to cook for Christmas dinner. Here you will see families cooking their traditional favourite foods like: Risotto alla Milanese- which is prepared with onion, saffron, butter, beef bouillon and wine. Cotoletta alla Milanese-a meat typical dish prepared from breaded and Veal cutlets and then fried in butter. Polenta-made with cornmeal, which is ground and then it is served with tomato sauce and some type of meat. Panettone-a popular Christmas cake made with flour, water, dried candied fruits, eggs, and butter. There are a couple of markets during the Christmas festive season throughout Milan. One is the Smart Market which is based on the theme recycling and reusing at the Piazza Sant' Ambrogio; a Christmas edition based on the regular market. This market ends on the 23rd of December of that year. In this market, you can find the famous holiday Panettone, the symbol of Milan. Another shopping trip worth visiting is the market of Lazzate Christmas a small village in the outskirts of Milan. This market has a firm favourite atmosphere for shopping as well as events to keep children happy and an array of mouth-watering goods, many hand-made. You should also note that between Mid-December and 6 January is when Christmas Markets in Milan open and you can buy Italian-made children's toys, local crafts, and seasonal treats. Tips: On 25th of December, Christmas day, you can anticipate all shops, stalls, and markets to be closed. While in Milan, you can also celebrate Christmas by attending midnight masses at Duomo or visiting Christmas crèches within the city. On 26th of December, it is Saint Stephen's Day, is an extension day of Christmas, when families go camping out visiting Christmas markets and viewing nativity sites in churches. On 31st of December it is New Year's Eve or San Silvestro di Festa. This day is marked with much more fanfare in Milan.

scritto da Alexandra Evans - ultima modifica il 17/11/2021

Milan seen with the eyes of Alessandro Manzoni, the famous writer

Portrait of Alessandro Manzoni

On March 7, falls the anniversary of the birth of Alessandro Manzoni. And speaking of falling: it was in 1873 when our Manzoni, already a successful writer known throughout Europe, falls like an ordinary mortal in front of the Church of San Fedele. From this church, before which now stands the bronze statue of the writer, we begin to travel the romantic places in Milan lived by Manzoni, in the years of the Italian Risorgimento and today. Via Morone is the place where one can still visit the house where Manzoni spent much of his life and where he received Verdi, Garibaldi, Balzac. The house-museum occasionally hosts readings of the pages of The Manzoni. The lounge is a true nineteenth century meeting place where the fate of nascent Italy was decided; walking here in Milan today we find ourselves in a place full of atmosphere, but also extremely elegant, at the margins of neighbourhoods of museums such as the Poldi Pezzoli and of the Fashion District. A mixture of art and new not to miss! Looking up to the sky we can see the white spire of the Gothic Cathedral with its golden Madonna, impossible not to visit. Don Lisander, as the Milanese call Manzoni, loved to walk the streets of Milan and perhaps his wandering gave birth to some creative ideas for “I promessi sposi”, his most famous novel. Manzoni describes a Milan in the grip of famine and plague: the first case of plague was recorded in San Babila and spread the plague spreaders on the benches of the Cathedral. The Lazzaretto is one of the most sad places remembered in the novel. The only remnants are visible today in Via San Gregorio between Buenos Aires and Via Tadino, today a shopping and cosmopolite area of Milan, where to shop and live a multicultural atmosphere, for an experience similar to European capitals. Finally, Don Lisander is remembered among the great of Italy at the Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale), located in the northern part of the town. The atmosphere of Milan's literary elite can still be found walking in the avenues, contemplating the important and majestic buildings that portray a Milan bearer of great culture.

scritto da Redazione Visit Italy - ultima modifica il 19/01/2020

Looking for other ideas for sleeping around Milan

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Milan - Via Pioppette 3

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Hotel Marconi

Milan - Via Fabio Filzi 3

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Hotel Mediolanum

Milan - Via Mauro Macchi 1

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Hotel Mec

Milan - Via Tito Livio 4

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NH Linate

Peschiera Borromeo - Via A. Grandi, 12

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Delta Hotel

San Donato Milanese - Via Emilia 2/A

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NEO HOTEL

Bresso - Via Xxv Aprile 49/51

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Hotel Ristorante La Rampina

Vimodrone - Via Xv Martiri 1

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Cosmo Hotel Palace

Cinisello Balsamo - Via De Sanctis 5

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Grand Hotel Duca Di Mantova

Sesto San Giovanni - Piazza Francesco Caltagirone 40/48 C/O Centro Commerciale Vu

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Hotel Esperia

Rho - Piazza Della Libertà, 2

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VIRGINIA PALACE HOTEL

Garbagnate Milanese - Via Montenero 127

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Hotel Il Castelletto

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San Giacomo Horses & Agriturismo

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Tips for sleeping around Milan

Bed and breakfast

Farm House

Hotels

Inn

Residence

Villas and apartments

Province of Milan tourist destinations

Gorgonzola

Milan

Lainate

Peschiera Borromeo

San Colombano al Lambro

Cernusco sul Naviglio

Basiglio

Bubbiano

Sesto San Giovanni

Cinisello Balsamo

Legnano

Cesano Boscone

Bollate

Segrate

Morimondo

Garbagnate Milanese

Visit the surrounding of Milan - Tourism and travel tips for your vacation or weekend.

Travel guides and videos

A night at the Opera: Milan's La Scala

The Museum of Science and Technique

The Palace of Brera

Milan, the Pinacoteca of Brera

The Monumental Cemetery

Milan, the Sforza Castle

Milan Food tasting in Milan

Milan the Basil of S.Ambrose

Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa

Milan Shopping spree in Milan

Inter Fc and Milan AC Museum

The Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie's Church

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Milan Christmas fairs and markets in Milan

Milan Milan By Night

Milan An Inter - Milan match in san siro

Milan Navigli, Brera and Arch of Peace: a trip into Milan’s nightilfe

Milan A green Milan

Teatro alla scala, milan's most exclusive lounge

Galleria Vittoria Emanuele, one of the best milan's sightseeings

Milan Triennale, Milan design’s home

Milan Milan seen with the eyes of Alessandro Manzoni, the famous writer

Palazzolo Milanese Fisogni Museum of the Petrol Station

A night at the Opera: Milan's La Scala

The Museum of Science and Technique

The Palace of Brera

Milan, the Pinacoteca of Brera

The Monumental Cemetery

Milan, the Sforza Castle

Food tasting in Milan

Milan the Basil of S.Ambrose

Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa

Shopping spree in Milan

Inter Fc and Milan AC Museum

The Last Supper and Santa Maria delle Grazie's Church

The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana

Christmas fairs and markets in Milan

Milan By Night

An Inter - Milan match in san siro

Navigli, Brera and Arch of Peace: a trip into Milan’s nightilfe

A green Milan

Teatro alla scala, milan's most exclusive lounge

Galleria Vittoria Emanuele, one of the best milan's sightseeings

Triennale, Milan design’s home

Milan seen with the eyes of Alessandro Manzoni, the famous writer

Fisogni Museum of the Petrol Station

Looking for other ideas for sleeping around Milan

Tips for sleeping around Milan

Province of Milan tourist destinations

Gorgonzola

Milan

Lainate

Peschiera Borromeo

San Colombano al Lambro

Cernusco sul Naviglio

Basiglio

Bubbiano

Sesto San Giovanni

Cinisello Balsamo

Legnano

Cesano Boscone

Bollate

Segrate

Morimondo

Garbagnate Milanese

San Donato Milanese

Melzo

Ossona

Paderno Dugnano

Opera

Cassano d'Adda

Assago

Cologno Monzese

Dresano

Cassinetta di Lugagnano

Trezzano sul Naviglio

Trezzo Sull'Adda

Baranzate