Province of Milan

Its monuments are also universally known icons: the first, and most important, is undoubtedly the Duomo. Recognizable at a glance by its elaborate architecture of pinnacles, statues (the world-famous "Madonnina," the symbol of the city), spires and gargoyles, the Duomo is a fascinating and imposing example of the Neo-Gothic style with a very long history. Although construction of the church was begun in 1386, in fact, the facade was not completed until 1813.

Connecting the cathedral with another icon of the city, namely the Teatro della Scala, one of the most prestigious theaters in the world, is the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. This covered passageway, which houses exclusive restaurants and luxurious boutiques, was built starting in 1865 in the neoclassical style. And, in a short time, it has become the "drawing room of Milan." What impresses are its extremely rich decorations, including sculptures, frescoes and mosaic floors, not forgetting, of course, the fabulous iron and glass roof.

A third symbol of Milan is the mighty Castello Sforzesco, built in the 15th century by Federico Sforza. Its square plan gives it a severe and massive appearance, made elegant by its round towers and entrance tower. Passing through it you enter the green lung of the city: Parco Sempione.

The most important museum in Milan is undoubtedly the Cenacolo Vinciano, located in the convent of the Basilica of Santa Maria delle Grazie, one of the most beautiful churches in Italy. In fact, the refectory room houses Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," a sublime fresco commissioned in 1494 and famous throughout the world.

For art lovers, theBrera Academy is also a must-see. Located in the Brera Palace, it houses one of the most important art collections in Italy, with masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael and Mantegna.

Among the treasures to visit, you cannot miss the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio, one of the best examples of Romanesque architecture in Italy. Built in the 4th century and then renovated in the 11th century in the Romanesque style, the basilica is striking in its simplicity and beauty. Here you can admire the octagonal tiburium, the quadriporticus, various mosaics and the altar of St. Ambrose.

Among the many attractions in Milan, one last gem we recommend is Villa Necchi Campiglio: a fine example of a home of Milan's industrial upper middle class, it was built in the 1930s. It is currently managed by the FAI and houses Italy's first private swimming pool, a tennis court, and prestigious artworks and furnishings. Not far away is Villa Invernizzi, where flamingos can be seen.

Another must-see is the Navigli district, a charming and lively area that owes its charm to the canals designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Strolling from the Darsena along the banks of the Navigli, among artisan stores, art galleries and sitting down for an aperitif or a bite to eat, particularly at sunset, is a unique experience.

There are many urban routes that lead you to discover the lesser-known side of the city, including modern neighborhoods, special places and hidden corners. One of these winds a stone's throw from the cathedral and leads to the discovery of the splendid headquarters of theState University of Milan, the Church of San Bernardino alle Ossa in Piazza Santo Stefano, which is quite eerie, the Park at Guastalla, and the Rotonda della Besana, a cemetery complex dating from the late 17th century.

A little further south, however, you can stroll through a quiet area of Milan, which stretches between the pedestrian-friendly Via San Calimero and Bocconi University, enjoying some colorful murals. Also under the banner of street art is the urban path in the Ortica district, an industrial area now undergoing reconversion.

You only need to leave the center of Milan to be able to go hiking in the green. Don't believe it? Of course, don't expect un-man-made, wild landscapes; then again, you're always close to one of Italy's largest cities!

One example is a hike in the Parco Sud: among old rice fields and farmsteads, but always with the view of big buildings in the background, you can relax and switch off for a while. Within part of the South Milan Agricultural Park, then, there is also the so-called Cammino dei Monaci, which, crossing the Vettabbia park, leads to theChiaravalle Abbey. Also in the southern suburbs, there is the Ticinello Park. This is a small oasis of unexpected greenery, corresponding to the course of the small river of the same name.

Moving to the other side of the city, there is the North Park tour, not far from Bresso Airport. It is a little-known place and, because of this, very peaceful. Between reclaimed vegetable gardens, pathways in excellent condition and children's playgrounds, it is an alternative to find a few hours of relaxation.

Just outside the gates of Milan is also waiting for you.Morimondo, included in the list of "Italy's Most Beautiful Villages." The centerpiece of the village is theabbey of the same name, built starting in 1134 in Romanesque style, according to the austere dictates of the Cistercian monastic order. In this area, in addition to the abbeys of Morimondo and Chiaravalle, are the abbeys of Mirasole and Viboldone, the Basilica of Santa Maria in Calvenzano and the churches of San Lorenzo in Monlué and San Pietro in Gessate.

Another village listed as one of the most beautiful in Italy is Cassinetta di Lugagnano, actually consisting of the villages of Cassinetta and Lugagnano, which look out from opposite banks of the Naviglio Grande but are connected by an ancient bridge. The river and the many aristocratic villas make it a place full of peace, in which it is possible to visit the Church of Santa Maria Nascente and Sant'Antonio Abate, dating from the 15th century.

Not far away also runs the Naviglio di Bereguardo, built in the 15th century to bring goods from the East to Milan. Along the 19 kilometers of this veritable masterpiece of hydraulic engineering you can see some of its as many as twelve locks (or locks), studied even by Leonardo da Vinci.

In Lainate, meanwhile, is Villa Visconti Borromeo Arese Litta, built in the late 16th century. In addition to its frescoed interiors, here you can admire grandiose gardens, with flower beds, statues, artificial grottoes, Art Nouveau glass greenhouses and fountains enlivened by entertaining water features. Its uniqueness, however, is the richly chiseled and decorated nymphaeum.

Not far away, in Castellazzo, you can admire the Villa Arconati, so marvelous that it is even considered an Italian version of the Palace of Versailles, surrounded by a stunning French-style garden.

Unexpected are also the bicycle routes in the province of Milan. The bike, in fact, is the most suitable means to ride along the navigli, or artificial navigable canals built around the city. The most beautiful routes are:

• that of the Naviglio Grande, which leads from Milan to Abbiategrasso;
• that of the Naviglio Pavese, which runs from Milan to Pavia;
• that of the Naviglio Martesana, which connects Milan to Cassano d'Adda;
• that of the Naviglio di Bereguardo, which starts from Abbiategrasso and leads to Pavia.

In addition to these routes, there are also some in the southern and agricultural part of the province. The two main ones both come to the Vettabbia Park, departing respectively from the Ticinello Park and the Rice Fields Park. Alternatively, there is the bicycle path that starts in Sesto Calende and arrives in Abbiategrasso, crossing one of the most beautiful river parks in Europe, the Ticino Park.

For those who fancy a slightly longer experience, they can ride along the Villoresi Canal, for a total of 90 km. This is a route that passes through several historic towns and very beautiful natural areas, including the Parco delle Groane and Brughiera Briantea, within which stands the Villa Arconati we mentioned earlier.