Make the most of your travels through Italy with a visit to Milan, where history and modernity meld seamlessly.
Milan may be best known today for its high fashion runways and financial influence, but beneath the sleek exterior lies a city with deep historical roots and a legacy that spans millennia. As the capital of Italy’s Lombardy region, this northern metropolis is a study in contrasts — where contemporary design coexists with ancient architecture, and where the next fashion week is plotted in the shadow of a centuries-old cathedral. It’s a place where past and present aren’t just neighbors; they’re in constant conversation.
Far more than a chic pit stop, Milan is a destination with substance. Founded around 600 B.C., the city has served as a battleground, a seat of empires, and a cultural powerhouse. It was once the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later a crown jewel in Napoleon’s Italian campaign. And through it all, Milan has preserved its story in stone, glass, and gilded detail — inviting travelers to trace the footsteps of emperors, artists, and revolutionaries alike.
For history buffs and curious wanderers alike, Milan offers a wealth of treasures waiting to be explored. From Gothic cathedrals and Roman ruins to Renaissance palaces and war memorials, there’s so much to see and experience.
Where to stay
Any good trip starts with the perfect hotel and Milan is ripe with options that prioritize luxury and sustainability for an idyllic escape.
Bulgari Hotel Milano
Nestled in the heart of Milan, Bulgari Hotel Milano seamlessly combines luxury with environmental responsibility. The hotel has implemented various green initiatives, including the use of low-consumption light bulbs, 98 percent biodegradable detergents, and organic, ethically sourced linens.
Additionally, the property emphasizes recycling and waste reduction by utilizing recycled wax candles and biodegradable laundry packaging. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s private garden, which not only offers a serene escape but also serves as a testament to Bulgari’s commitment to sustainability.
Mandarin Oriental, Milan
Located near the iconic La Scala opera house, Mandarin Oriental, Milan is recognized for its dedication to sustainable luxury. The hotel has achieved certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and has earned the Responsible Hospitality VERIFIED badge.
Sustainability efforts include sourcing electricity from certified renewable sources, eliminating 99 percent of single-use plastics, and implementing a Green Linen Programme to reduce water and energy consumption. The hotel also actively supports local communities through various initiatives, such as repurposing used espresso pods as fertilizer and donating second-hand clothes to families in need.
Hotel Milano Scala
Situated in the vibrant Brera district, Hotel Milano Scala stands out as Milan’s first zero-emission hotel. The property utilizes renewable energy sources and features an electric filtration system that ensures excellent indoor air quality throughout the hotel. Guests can indulge in organic green cuisine made with natural herbs harvested from the hotel’s terrace garden. The eco-chic design, combined with a commitment to sustainability, offers travelers a unique and environmentally friendly luxury experience.
Must-visit historical landmarks in Milan
Milan has a treasure trove of historical buildings and landmarks that will leave any Italian history buff in awe. This guide highlights the essential landmarks and hidden gems that bring Milan’s dramatic past to life.
Duomo di Milano
Perhaps the most popular landmark in Milan, the Duomo di Milano is a postcard-worthy Gothic-style cathedral. Also known as the Milan Cathedral, the construction of this incredible building spanned nearly six centuries, beginning in the 1380s and completing in the 1960s.
Considered the most important Gothic architecture in the city, the church boasts more than 3,300 statues and 135 spires on the cathedral’s roof. Climbing up the rooftop is also well worth it as you get an unrivaled view of Milan from above.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
Found right in the heart of the city, the Santa Maria delle Grazie is a church and Dominican convent. It’s also another example of exquisite architecture in Milan. Construction began in 1463 and was later renovated and expanded under the reign of the Duke of Milan Ludovico Sforza.
While the stunning Gothic exterior is already a treat in itself, one of the reasons why the Santa Maria delle Grazie is an extremely popular Milan attraction is because the church houses the world-famous The Last Supper fresco by Leonardo da Vinci; Sforza commissioned da Vinci’s masterpiece during the expansion of the church.
Castello Sforzesco
The Castello Sforzesco is a symbol of epic rivalries between families during the Renaissance period in Italy. The castle was held by the Visconti family and the Sforza family, who presided over Milan from 1277 to 1447 and 1450 to 1535, respectively. The castle was initially produced in 1368 and has undergone several renovations over the years.
Today, Castello Sforzesco is a major tourist spot in Milan and is home to the Museo d’Arte Antica, where guests can find some fine works of art, including Michelangelo’s famed final masterpiece, the Pieta Rondanini. The castle also hosts huge art exhibitions and other events.
Palazzo Reale
Located right beside the famous Duomo in Milan’s historic city center, the Palazzo Reale, or Royal Palace, is one of the most impressive buildings in the city and a significant part of Milan’s history. The building has been around since the Middle Ages and served as the seat of government in Milan for hundreds of years.
Unfortunately, the palace was severely damaged during a 1943 British bombing attack during World War II. In 1947, reconstruction started, and by 2000, the palace was virtually restored to its original condition. Presently, Palazzo Reale is a cultural center and regularly hosts art exhibitions from all over the world.
Cimitero Monumentale
Also known as the Monumental Cemetery, this grand cemetery was constructed in 1860 and is one of the most unique and interesting landmarks you will visit in Milan. More than just a resting place for the dead, however, this spot also doubles as an open-air museum that boasts an array of Art Nouveau statues and sculptures created by some notable Italian sculptors. Cimitero Monumentale also has some artistic tombs of Milan’s most prominent figures, such as Salvatore Quasimodo, Alessandro Manzoni, and Eugenio Montale.
Basilica di San Lorenzo
Constructed during the 4th century, the Basilica di San Lorenzo is Milan’s oldest church and a key part of the city’s history. One of the most unique things about this church was that it was built using blocks and other materials that were extracted from other Roman sites in the city. The interior is also something to behold with the array of marble decorations and eye-catching mosaics.
Among the highlights at the Basilica di San Lorenzo is the Cappella di Sant’Aquilino (Chapel of Saint Aquilino), which is decorated with 4th-century Byzantine mosaics and features a crypt that contains some artifacts collected from an Ancient Roman amphitheater. Another gem is the Colonne di San Lorenzo, a collection of 16 columns that date back to the 3rd century.
Parco Sempione
Arguably the most famous and most captivating public park in Milan, the Parco Sempione is a must-see during a trip to the city. Created in 1888, this beautiful garden is located just behind the Castello Sforzesco and is both a park and a historical landmark. Parco Sempione was once a private property before being used as a parade ground for soldiers.
Aside from hanging out and relaxing in the area, don’t forget to check out some landmarks found within the park, such as the Arch of Peace and the Arena Civica.
Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio
Constructed in the 11th century, the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is one of the most important religious institutions in Milan and among the best-preserved buildings in the city. Named after the church’s founder and patron saint of Milan, Saint Ambrose, the Romanesque-style basilica features an interior filled with shiny mosaics, an atrium that’s lined with columns that look like tree trunks, and a golden altar added by Charlemagne. Inside the church is a small chapel known as the Sacello San Vittore in Ciel d’Oro, which is adorned with 5th-century mosaics and a “golden sky” dome.
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