Milan, Italy

Milan guide

If your into fashion and have some Euros to spend Milan is the place to be. 'Quad della Moda' (quadrilateral of streets) as the name suggests is made up of 4 main streets; 'Via Montenapoleone' to the west, 'Via della Spiga' to the east, 'Via Sant 'Andrea' to the South and 'Via Manzone' to the north. You will find many sleek designer shops such as Chanel, Glanfranco Ferre, Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada and Bruno Magli. Men if your looking for something special you will also find exclusive jewellers such as Cartier and Tiffany and Co! But if you want to keep hold of your pennies sit back and watch the 'hustle and bustle' of milanese life on a sunny afternoon outside many of the fancy cafes.

The city is not only for shopping though; it is home to Leonardo da Vinci's magnificent and treasured Cenacolo (The Last Supper). You must visit the 15th century church 'Santa Maria delle Grazie'. The church was built by Guiniforte Solari between 1466 - 1490. Leonardo began the Cenocolo in 1494 commissioned by Ludovico II Moro. Because of the 'new' design used the painting began peeling off the wall over the years and has been subject to extensive repair work. Booking is compulsory to view the Cenacolo; Tel 02 89 42 11 46.

The main square in Milan is called 'Piazza del Duomo' and has been the heart of the city since the 13th century. As the name suggests the square holds a magnificent II Duomo (church, 1386). It is the 3rd largest in the world. The neo-gothic exterior is sculpted in marble from Lake Maggiore and it also has 2,300 statues. Women should ensure their shoulders and legs are covered otherwise you will be refused entry into II Duomo. On the north side of the Piazza del Duomo is Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. There is a 48 meter glass dome inside and is a beautiful place to be.

Flights to Milan

To and from Milan's airports

Aeroporto da Malpensa (MXP)

Aeroporto di Linate (LIN)

Activities and sightseeing in Milan

Piazza del Duomo, II Duomo, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Museo del Duomo (church museum), Brera (district), Castello Sforzesco (14th century fortress), Museo Poldi Pezzoli (15th - 18th century art held in a 17th century palace), The Navigli (old canal district), Parco Sempione (Milan's largest park; over 115 acres), Pinacoteca Ambrosiana (a beautiful building containing one of Italy's greatest libraries and famous art collections), Pinacoteca di Brera (Italy's leading art collection), San Lorenzo Maggiore (oldest church in Milan built at the end of the 4th century), Sant' Ambrogio (Basilica built between 379 and 386 AD), Sant' Eustorgio (4th century church), Santa Maria delle Grazie (15th century church where you will find the cenacollo), Lakes - Como and Maggiore, San Siro (football).

Eating and drinking in Milan

Milan is fabulous to go out in the evening, many restaurants will have outside seating, perfect for a summers evening. Da Abele on Via Temperanza will serve you a traditional Milanese Risotto but with a true passion of cooking that runs through Italy most if not all places will serve you fresh Italian pasta dishes. Milan has many trendy bars such as ATM on Bastioni Porta Volta or if your looking for a pint of Guinness head for Bar Magenta on Via G Carducci.