Workshop – What to see in Milan

What to see in Milan:

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  • The small historic center is primarily between the Duomo and Castello.
    • Santa Maria della Grazie contains Da Vinci’s famous fresco, the Last Supper. Although the building was bombed in 1943, the fresco survived. To visit, it is necessary to book in advance: How to Book Tickets to see The Last Supper
    • The Duomo is the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and the third largest church in Europe. Building began in 1386 and lasted nearly 500 years! Its marble facade is magnificent and its roof has 135 spires and 3200 statues. Inside, the crucifix is said to contain a nail from the cross of Christ. Its piazza is the hub of Milan. There is also a museum. Be sure to climb the stairs or take the elevator to the top for views of Milan and the Duomo’s spires.
    • La Scala is a very famous opera house seating over 2000 people. Built in 1778 it has a very opulent interior. You can also visit the museum.
    • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a huge glass-roofed shopping arcade lined with expensive shops, bars, and restaurants. Built in 1867, it links the squares of the Duomo and La Scala and has mosaics with the symbols of the cities forming the newly united Italy. Some people consider it good luck to stand on the testicles of the bull of Turin.
    • Castello Sforzesco was originally built in the 15th century by the ruling Visconti but was destroyed and rebuilt by the Sforzas soon afterward. It became a museum complex in the 19th century and and is one of Milan’s major landmarks.
    • National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci is housed in what was once a 16th century monastary . The museum has a vast collection showing the history of science and technology starting from Leonardo da Vinci’s machines.
    • Sant’Ambrogio is the fourth-century church of Milan’s patron saint. Inside are many relics, carvings, and mosaics.
    • Pinacoteca di Brera, originally started by Napolean, is Milan’s most prestigious art gallery. It holds a huge collection of over 600 works in 40 rooms.

 

Exhibitions you can’t miss:

Leonardo Da Vinci Exhibition at The Royal Palace of Milan

The Royal Palace of Milan houses the largest exhibition dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci in Italy. A leading event in the rich calendar that will enliven the Lombard capital from early May to late October, on the occasion of the Expo 2015. The exhibition, which is entitled “Leonardo 1452-1519”, was inaugurated on April 15th and will last until July 19th, attracting many Italian and foreign visitors.

The exhibition offers a comprehensive view of the whole work of the multifaceted genius of Leonardo, the greatest exponent of the Renaissance, an artist, a scientist, and an engineer. Paintings, drawings, and manuscripts, coming from the most prestigious Italian and international museums, are divided into 12 sections, ranging from design to nature, from anatomy to dream.

On display there are works of great importance, as the St. Jerome from the Vatican Museums, the Madonna Dreyfuss from the National Gallery in Washington, Portrait of a Musician from the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana and Scapigliata from the National Gallery of Parma. In addition to 100 drawings signed by the Tuscan master, coming in part from the famous Atlantic Code, you will see some historical models of famous machines designed by Leonardo, coming from the Museum of Science and Technology of Milan. A video reproduction of the Last Supper will make you experience the excitement that the great and delicate wall painting, kept in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, created in the souls of visitors for centuries.

Royal Palace. Piazza Duomo 12 (underground station: MM1 and MM3 Duomo)

From 16 April to 19 July. Monday: 2:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 am to 12.00 am

The ticket office closes half an hour before. Prices from € 16.50

 

Michelangelo’s Rondanini Pietà at Sforza Castle

The Rondanini Pietà, the last unfinished masterpiece made by Michelangelo Buonarroti, has recently been relocated: from the Scarlioni Gallery in the Antique Art Museum of the Sforza Castle, to the brand new Museo della Pietà, just completed inside the restored rooms of the former Ospedale Spagnolo (Spanish Hospital) also part of the Castle.

The structure and the decorative apparatus of the Spanish Hospital, built at the end of the 16th century and thus contemporary to Michelangelo, have survived almost intact until today.

The new museum was inaugurated a few days ago, on May 2, 2015, just after the opening of the EXPO Milan 2015.

Opening hours: Tuesday through Sunday – closed on Mondays. 9 a.m. – 7.30 p.m.

Full price ticket 5 Euros

Castle address: Piazza Castello, underground stations: MM1 Cairoli, MM2 Lanza, MM1/2 Cadorna