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In the heart of the city: Duomo and Galleria
Experience the city centre attractions
The undisputed symbol of the city? The Duomo, a magnificent backdrop, the perfect place to feel like an influencer and to enjoy an unprecedented view of Milano from its sky-high terraces. Don’t miss out on Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the oldest shopping gallery in Italy, and its beautiful arcades.
Take a stroll around the alluring shop windows that display the high-luxury brands, and savour Italian tradition: from coffee, served all day long, to lunch, aperitifs and dinner. Enter into the art experience at Palazzo Reale, the city’s historic venue for major exhibitions, and the adjacent Museo del Novecento, custodian of one of the most important collections of twentieth-century Italian art. Then, take time to discover Via Torino, the bustling international shopping street.
The construction of the Duomo, the cathedral in the heart of the city, commenced in 1386 and was commissioned to represent a symbol of strength and glory by the lords who ruled Milano. The lofty main spire is 108.5 meters high, upon which perches the golden figurine of the Madonnina, a statue beloved by Milanese and visitors alike.
Milano is fascinating and beautiful from every perspective, even when seen from above: get a glimpse from the Duomo, the only Gothic church in the world where you can walk on the roof, or the terrace of the high-end Rinascente department store; you can also look down on Piazza Duomo from the spectacular Museo del Novecento windows. Check out our itinerary for all the other strategic viewpoints.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is the elegant nineteenth-century covered passageway between the Duomo and the Teatro alla Scala, and the oldest shopping gallery in Italy. It was conceived as an arcaded street that would serve as a showcase and a stylish promenade, perfect for pre-opera aperitifs or post-opera dinners.
The aperitivo is to Milano what Milano is to the aperitivo. This frenetic city never stops from dawn to dusk and, as the sun sets on the urban streets, the convivial ritual of the aperitivo kicks off. Discover the iconic cocktails and the most popular areas for an aperitif in the Milanese capital.
Palazzo Reale, a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, has been owned by the municipality and accessible to the public since 1920. It traditionally hosts the city’s most relevant temporary art exhibitions. Its 7000 sqm space displays over 1500 masterpieces, on loan from the most famous museums in the world, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
Museo del Novecento, facing Piazza Duomo, houses one of the most important collections of twentieth-century Italian art. 400 oeuvres are exhibited, comprising paintings, statues and installations spanning futurism, art movements between the two wars, abstractionism, Spatialism and Arte Povera: from Kandinskij to Paul Klee, Modigliani, Jannis Kounellis, Alberto Burri and Emilio Vedova.
Bustling Via Torino extends from Piazza Duomo to the Columns of San Lorenzo: it is Milan’s international shopping street, home to the most famous brands and low-cost chains. Take a look at all the shops!
How to get there, what to see, the piazzas frequented by locals: discover the neighbourhood life.
Find your favourite restaurants in this neighbourhood and reserve your table!
