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Mozart in Milano
Discover places in the city with a connection to the great composer’s life
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the undisputed music genius, received his first musical education from his father Leopold, a violinist and an excellent musician, who soon imposed a strict discipline on his son and presented him as a child prodigy during his travels all over Europe.
During these travels, Mozart had the opportunity to stop in Milano several times between 1769 and 1773: in three years, Mozart would spend almost one full year in the city.
This was the Milano of Enlightenment, with intellectuals such as Verri, Beccaria and Parini. Mozart wrote his first opera here, Mitridate, Re del Ponto (Mitridates, King of Pontus), composed Ascanio in Alba with a libretto by Giuseppe Parini (who would in time become one of Italy’s foremost poets) and Lucio Silla.
Here are a few hints to find out more about what the great genius did in our city.
Piazza San Marco, 2
Mozart was housed in the Basilica’s rectory during his first stay in Milano, when he was just fourteen. He played the church’s organ, dating back to 1506 and the largest in Lombardy (now under restoration).
Opening hours to the public: 7:00 - 12:00 / 16:00 - 19:00
Info: +390229002598
Via Clerici, 5
Mozart was frequently a guest at this aristocratic palazzo, where one of the city’s most distinguished families resided. He performed there for the inauguration of the music hall.
It is possible to visit the Palace at certain times and with a guided tour. The highlight is the stunning Galleria, frescoed in 1741 by Giambattista Tiepolo.
Mandatory reservation: e-mail ispi.eventi@ispionline.it tel +3902863313271. Free admission.
Corso Venezia, 16
Mozart was often around the drawing room of the original Palazzo Serbelloni in Largo Corsia dei Servi, preceding the current building located in Corso Venezia, and now no longer in existence.
It is now possible to visit the fabulous Napoleonic floor of the Corso Venezia palazzo by appointment. The scheduled openings include guided tours.
Free admission with mandatory reservation: +390276001246
Piazza del Carmine, 2
Mozart performed several of his works and conducted a Mass in this church, to great acclaim.
Opening hours to the public: 10:00 - 12:00 / 16:00 - 19:15
Info: +390286463365
Piazza San Fedele
Another church where Mozart often was. Apparently, he performed sacred music there, possibly his Cantata on the Holy Grave of Christ.
Opening hours to the public: Monday to Friday 8:30 - 16:30; Saturday 10:00 - 19:30; Sunday 10:00 - 20:00
Museum: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 14:00 - 18:00; Saturday 10:00 - 18:00
Info: +3902863521
Via Sant'Antonio, 5
One of Mozart's favourite places, where he often performed. Exsultate Jubilate was performed here for the first time. The organ he played has been restored and it is still visible in the church.
Opening hours with guided tours by Touring Club volunteers: Monday - Friday 10:00 - 18:00; Saturday 10:00 - 14:00
Info: +390258391309
Piazza del Duomo, 12
Milano’s Teatro Ducale was located next to the Palace. Here Mozart premiered his opera Mitridates King of Pontus in 1770 at the inauguration of the musical season. It was a huge success.
Piazza Castello
The Museum of Musical Instruments houses a spinet Mozart is supposed to have played in one of the Milanese households where he was often a guest.
Info: +390288463703
