It’s funny how things work out because we ended up in Milan because we had a direct flight from Austin. It was easier to take the train to get to Venice from there than to take a connecting flight. We are really glad that it worked out that way and that we enjoyed one day in this beautiful dynamic city. It’s also one of the fashion capitals of the world with lots of stylish shopping venues.
Even if our time in Milan was short, we were able to see some of the city’s highlights and try a couple of good restaurants.
Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)
This magnificent cathedral is by far one of the top places to see in Milan. It’s the second largest church in Italy after St. Peter’s in Rome. It took almost 600 years for the Gothic cathedral to be completed in 1965. We loved the lace-like look of the carvings.
Do take the elevator to the rooftop to take a closer look at the superb craftsmanship of the statues, gargoyles and spires.
Across from the Piazza del Duomo there is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. It’s shopping arcade with a beautiful steel and glass roof and it’s also Italy’s oldest mall.
Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco)
The Sforza Castle is an impressive 15th century fortress with turrets and is one of Milan’s most important landmarks.
It’s now a museum complex housing various tapestries, paintings and archeological artifacts.
After your visit, check out the lovely park behind the castle. See the triumphal arch, climb the tower, or simply relax and stroll around Sempione Park.
The Last Supper mural by Da Vinci
The Last Supper mural by Leonardo Da Vinci is well worth seeing. This masterpiece is housed inside the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie. The mural was rendered even more popular after the publication of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, so it’s a good idea to reserve your ticket well in advance of your visit. It’s recommended to do this at least 6 weeks before your trip. You can also get a combo ticket with a city tour.
Conclusion
Of course, one day isn’t enough to really appreciate Milan and we hope to visit again. Perhaps, with a trip to the Italian Lake Area in the North of Italy.
Related Posts:
- 15 Best Things to Do in Rome, Italy
- Top Places to Visit in Florence, Italy
- Famous Attractions to See in Venice, Italy
- Getting Around by Train in Europe