Milan: Beyond the Duomo

Whenever anyone asks what there is to see in Milan, the invariable response is the Duomo, the gothic cathedral with neo-gothic touches that seem to challenge the heavens. However, beyond the imposing rose-coloured construction are artistic and historic treasures that will move you. Milan has existed for thousands of years and was at the heart of the Renaissance, most of all because of the patronage of the era's great artists by the city's wealthy princes.



Milan witnessed the birth of the masterpieces of one Leonardo Da Vinci, thanks to Duke Ludovico Sforza. In the Santa Maria della Grazie convent, we can still appreciate his hypnotic fresco The Last Supper, considered to be the greatest painting in the world. Only in Milan do we have the opportunity to discover the secrets of this grandiose mural. This painting has generated even more interest since the publication of The Da Vinci Code, which claims to reveal some of its hidden meanings.



The Brera Gallery, for its part, can give the world's biggest art galleries a good run for their money with its collection of works by the principle Italian painters. In the Ludovico Sforza Museum, named after the celebrated patron of the arts, we also find something that is surprising to many: the last painting by Michelangelo, amongst hundreds of other works.

Did you know that Milan is one of the few European cities with over 2,600 years of history? Founded by the Celts, the city endured dozens of terrible invasions that caused its death and rebirth as the Milan we know today: one of the world's capital cities and the benchmark for fashion. The Romans, Goths, Huns, Austrians and French have all taken this city between empires, and in turn, were all taken by it. This is why there is always something to learn around every corner of the Historic Quarter, throughout the eight remaining "zones" in which the city is divided and even on the city's outskirts.



In Milan, you can enjoy excellent outings in which you will pass from the Renaissance to Imperial Austria in all its glory. The best thing about the city is that everything to see is relatively nearby. This is why you won't miss out on the Vittorio Emmanuelle II Gallery whilst you have a coffee in one of the sidewalk cafés after visiting the local shops. The Sforza Castle also offers you over a hundred hectares, where you can walk amongst the lush vegetation concealing traces of French Milan. Last of all, you won't want to miss out on a visit to the Saint Ambrose Basilica to admire its facade that was raised a thousand years ago. In front, you will find the only living monument of the Roman Era: the San Lorenzo columns.



When you visit Milan and its outskirts, don't forget that you are in the presence of 27 centuries of history.



If you would like to learn more about Milan's history and art on your next visit, we recommend that you participate in a theme tour, for example, "Leonardo in Milan," or a guided tour of the Brera Gallery. In the lobby of most hotels in Milan, you will find information on available tours to suit every interest.



Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.