book this hotelThings To Do in Milan
Sforza Castle
is one of the symbols of Milan together with the Madonnina and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Built within ten years between 1358 and 1368 under Galeazzo II Visconti. The Castle was partly destroyed in 1447 because of a decision of the Ambrosia Republic, it was rebuilt during Francesco Sforza’s period. The Castle suffered many adversities until 1880 when the government wanted to destroy it. The good sense prevailed and the Castle was restored under Luca Beltrami’s direction.
Arena
The Arena, also called Stadium, is situated very close to the Sforza Castle. It was built in 1806 thanks to Luigi Canonica using the rests of the old castle fortifications. It was also used as a theatre or it was flooded with water of the Navigli to stage sea-battles.
The Cathedral
Commissioned by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the Cathedral started being built in 1386. It is the third largest church in the world after St. Peter’s in Rome and after the Cathedral of Seville. It is overall made of marble, with immense statues, arches, pillars, pinnacles. The statues are about 3500, including the 96 gargoyles. The highest pinnacle is at the height of 108.5 metres, and it has on its top the statue of the Virgin Mary, best known as the “Madonnina”, covered of gold. Inside the church there are many interesting works of art: the tomb of Gian Giacomo Medici di Marignano, known as “Il Medeghino”; the crypt and St. Carlo Borromeo’s statue; the wooden choir-stails; the Tivulziano candelabrum; the Egyptian porphyry basin. There also old stained-glass windows of the XV century.
Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)
Situated in the south side of Piazza Duomo, the Palazzo Reale was, in 1138, the seat of the Old Town Hall. The original building was the residence of Torriani, Visconti and Sforza families. It was transformed in 1771-78 by Giuseppe Piermarini and during the World War II the Palazzo was hit by bombs. Only the most beautiful hall survived, the Sala delle Cariatidi and reminds as a grave. Now it is used as museum and exhibition centre.
Palazzo Marino
This palazzo was named after a person who commissioned its building that started in 1553 and finished in 1558. It was designed by the well-known architect Galeazzo Alessi. Inside the palazzo, which is situated in Piazza della Scala, is full of monuments, statues and paintings, as well as a beautiful inner courtyard. Now Palazzo Marino hosts the Town Hall.
