Milan Travel Guide

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A RRIVAL

T HE C ITY

W ORTH S EEING

C HURCHES

M ONUMENTS

H ISTORICAL B UILDINGS

M ODERN S TRUCTURES

A RT & C ULTURE

P UBLIC T RANSPORT

I MPRINT

Arrival

To Milan by train

The direct ÖBB Nightjet connection between Vienna and Milan will no longer be offered from the 2026 timetable onwards.

As an ideal alternative, we recommend traveling from Vienna Central Station via Villach to Venezia Mestre. From Mestre, the journey continues with an Italian high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) directly to Milano Centrale or Milano Porta Garibaldi station.

This connection offers you a comfortable and costeffective way to travel to Italy in an environmentally friendly manner. You also benefit from an attractive daytime connection with good transfer times, allowing for flexible travel planning.

This way, you can enjoy relaxed travel while experiencing the variety of rail connections between Austria and Italy.

Sleeping to Milan

The ÖBB Nightjet brings travelers safely, comfortably, and above all completely stress-free to Milan. Whether it's a business or vacation trip, traveling by train is not only more comfortable, it is also much more environmentally friendly.

The City

Milan

The capital of the Lombardy region is the second largest city in Italy. Historically, the city can be traced back to around 400 BC when the Celts settled the area. Over the centuries, Milan was ruled by German, French, and Austrian emperors. Far beyond Italy's borders, the city has established itself as a leading cultural and fashion metropolis. Milan is divided into nine city districts (zone). Art has always played a major role in the city. Especially its promotion by the Visconti family in the Middle Ages led to Milan developing into an art metropolis. Milan is not only a

fashion and cultural center but also of enormous economic importance.

A large number of the country's most important companies have their headquarters here. About 20% of Italy's gross domestic product is generated in the Lombardy region. Corporations like Alfa Romeo, Pirelli, Prada, Gucci, and Armani are based here. The city is also home to the Italian stock exchange (Borsa Italiana) and the headquarters of the public broadcaster (RAI).

Worth Seeing

Naviglio Grande

Construction of the Naviglio Grande began in 1177. The over 50 km long canal, which connects Milan to Lake Maggiore, was completed in 1257.

Until the 1960s, the canal was primarily used by barges. Along the banks, there are many venues that are especially popular on weekends.

Ospedale Maggiore

The Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico (the university clinic) was built in 1456 and is thus the oldest hospital in the city.

The clinic was founded by Prince Francesco Sforza, who hoped to gain the favor of the population, who had previously been supporters of the Visconti family.

Lido di Milano

The Lido di Milano is a recreation and sports center in western Milan. Located near the San Siro horse racing track, the Lido di Milano offers tennis and soccer fields, a

mini-golf course, and an 8,000 m² outdoor pool. There is also a beach volleyball court on the premises.

Hippodrome (Ippodromo)

The “ippodromo del galoppo di San Siro” is Milan's horse racing track. Horse racing has a long tradition in Italy. The first races - apart from the Roman horse races - date back

to 1773. The San Siro racetrack was opened in the early 1920s and offers 20,000 seats.

Churches

Basilica of San Babila (Basilica di San Babila)

The basilica was built in 1095. In the 16th century, it was expanded and given a new facade. The Roman Catholic church is one of the most important churches in the city. It

is named after San Babila, the bishop of present-day Antakya (Turkey). Emperor Decius had him executed in 250.

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

The cathedral stands on the ruins of a temple and a Roman basilica. Gian Galeazzo Visconti, the first Duke of Milan, commissioned its construction in 1386. Many disagreements led to Napoleon, who had himself crowned

King of Italy in the cathedral in 1805, giving the order to complete the facade.

Tickets for the cathedral: https://www.duomomilano.it/en

Enormous Dimensions

The cathedral is 158 m long and 93 m wide. The height to the head of the Madonna is 108.5 m. Overall, there is a covered area of 8,000 m². 3,500 sculptures adorn the cathedral, and 158 steps lead to the roof.

Basilica of Sant’Eustorgio (Basilica di Sant’Eustorgio)

In 344, the relics of the Three Holy Kings were on their way to Milan. The load was too heavy for the oxen, and when they finally collapsed, Archbishop Eustorgio had a church built at this spot. Barbarossa ("Redbeard")

plundered the treasures and brought them to Cologne, where they still lie in the cathedral today.

San Lorenzo Maggiore

The Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore dates from the 4th century. The early Christian church is dedicated to Lawrence of Rome. The building, originally designed as a

tetraconch from Roman times, was remodeled over the centuries and expanded with four corner towers.

STATUE OF CONSTANTINE (STATUA DI COSTANTINO)

San Gottardo in Corte

The ruler of Milan, Azzone Visconti, commissioned around 1336 the construction of the “Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte al Palazzo Reale” next to the state palace. Particularly

noteworthy is the “campanile delle ore” - the Tower of Hours - on which the first public clock in Milan was attached.

On the foundations of a church already existing in 1105, the current church was built in 1652 during the Spanish rule over Milan. Of the “Cappella della Madonna del

Grembiule,” only a few modest remains exist since a bombing raid in World War II.

Francesco I. Sforza had a Dominican monastery and church built. Although the church and monastery appear rather unremarkable at first glance, one of the world's greatest

art treasures is located here. To view Leonardo's masterpiece, one must book an appointment in advance.

Monuments

Needle, Thread and Knot (Ago, Filo e Nodo)

Since 2000, the two-part sculpture "Needle, Thread and Knot" has stood on Piazzale Cadorna. The colorful artwork was created by Claes Oldenburg and his wife Coosje van

Bruggen. The three colors of the thread refer to the three Milan subway lines.

Revolution. The statue was erected in 1900 and is by the

a long time Grand Master of the Lodge.

Colonna del Verziere

The column takes its name from the old fruit and vegetable market that was at this location. The granite column was erected in 1580 in thanks for the end of the plague. About a hundred years later, it was crowned with a statue of

Christ, created by Giuseppe and Gian Battista Vismara after a design by F. M. Richini.

“Danza” 2006

The steel sculpture created by artist Gianfranco Pardi bears the name Danza (Dance). The monument was erected in May 2006 on Piazza Amendola. It represents the sequence

and individual movements of a dance based on the model of a stroboscopic photograph.

Guiseppe Verdi

The statue of the master Giuseppe Verdi is located at the site where Casa Verdi (Piazza Buonarroti 29) is also situated. Casa Verdi is housed in a residence for musicians

who, like the great composer once, are not financially well off. Casa Verdi can be visited daily.

L.O.V.E.

In Milan's financial center, directly in front of the stock exchange, stands the marble statue created by Maurizio Cattelan since 2010. The statue is called L.O.V.E., which stands for Libertà, Odio, Vendetta, and Eternità (Freedom,

Hate, Revenge, Eternity). Cattelan sends an unmistakable message to the bankers with it.

Monument to the Bersagliere (Monutmento al Bersagliere)

The “Bersaglieri” are a special unit of the Italian infantry. The artwork was created by Mario Robaudi. With the irregular cutout in the reinforced concrete wall, Robaudi

symbolically represents injuries. A group of bronze figures on the wall shows soldiers in front of whom a small family stands.

Sacrario dei Caduti

The memorial to the fallen Milanese (Sacrario dei Caduti Milanesi) bears the inscription “Ai Milanesi caduti in Guerra” (to the Milanese who fell in war). The eight sides

of the memorial recall the eight gates of Milan through which the soldiers departed to join the Italian troops.

Columns of San Lorenzo (Colonne di san Lorenzo)

The “Colonne di San Lorenzo” (Columns of San Lorenzo) stand in front of the famous basilica. The 16 Corinthian marble columns were probably part of a supporting

structure of Emperor Maximilian's baths from the 4th century. The columns are rare remnants from Roman times.

Leonardo

The sculptor Pietro Magni created this statue of the universal genius Leonardo da Vinci, unveiled in 1872. Right behind the statue is the oldest house on the square, Palazzo Marino from 1563. To the left behind Leonardo are

the shopping palace Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Leonardo Museum; in front of him stands the famous Milan Scala.

Vittorio Emanuele II

majestically on Piazza del Duomo in front of Milan Cathedral. In the year of Victor Emanuel II's death (1878), the sculptor Ercole Rosa was commissioned to create the inaugurated only in 1896.

Wall of Dolls

The “Wall of Dolls” dates back to an initiative by Jo Squillo, a composer and TV presenter from Milan. The artwork aims to draw attention to violence and crimes against

women in Italy. The wall, which began as an artistic installation, developed into a symbol and memorial.

Historical Buildings

Arch of Peace (Arco della Pace)

The Peace Arch stands on Piazza Sempione behind Castello Sforzesco. Construction began in 1807 in honor of Napoleon, but his Italian kingdom fell before completion.

Emperor Franz I dedicated the arch to the European Peace of 1815 and ordered its completion.

Castello Cova

Castello Cova is also known as Palazzo Viviani Cova. The striking building was constructed from 1910 to 1915 by architect Adolfo Coppedè. It was built in a neo-medieval

style - with its red bricks, white decorations, and battlements, it resembles a medieval castle.

Castello Sforzesco

At the site where Castello Sforzesco was built in 1450, the castle of the Visconti family, destroyed in 1447, previously stood. Numerous architects were employed for the

construction of the complex, including Leonardo da Vinci. Napoleon had the bastion system leveled and later built over.

Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine

Palazzo delle Scuole Palatine stands in the medieval city center at Piazza Mercanti. Here was the city's most prestigious higher school. The original building was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1644. The statues of Augustine and Ausonius are by Pietro Lasagna.

The Loggia degli Osii was the seat of Milan's jurisdiction in the mid-13th century. The judge announced his verdicts from the balcony. The design of the balcony in the form of

an eagle clutching its prey symbolically stands for justice. The eagle is flanked by two snakes.

Palazzo dell’Arengario

Construction work on Palazzo dell’Arengario began in 1939. Due to the interruption of construction during World War II, completion lasted until 1956. By dividing the palace

into two parts, the impression of a city gate was intended. The left building part houses a museum.

Palazzo Giureconsulti

Palazzo Giureconsulti is one of the most important medieval buildings on Piazza dei Mercanti. This square was the center of the city and dates back to 1228; construction

of the palace began in 1562. Today, the palace is an event and conference center of the Camera di Commercio Milano.

Palazzo della Ragione

Palazzo della Ragione is also called Broletto. The building was erected under the then mayor Oldrado da Tresseno.

The equestrian statue from the 13th century shows the “Podestà” (governor).

The equestrian statue of the mayor of Milan who advanced the construction of the palace. The artwork dates from the 13th century.

Midnight Palace (Palazzo Mezzanotte)

The Midnight Palace (Palazzo Mezzanotte) or also Palazzo della Borsa is the seat of the Milan stock exchange. The most important room was the “sala delle grida,” where business was conducted by shouts. From the 1990s, this activity was digitized; since then, mainly conferences are held here.

Porta Nuova is one of the great gates of the city of Milan. The “New Gate” led to the road to Monza. There are two “Porte Nuove” in Milan: the latter, built from 1810 to 1813, and a medieval gate. Porta Nuova is also the district where many impressive skyscrapers have been built since 2004.

Arches

of Porta Nuova (Archi di Porta Nuova)

Two medieval gates are still preserved, the Porta Ticinese Antica and the Archi di Porta Nuova. This gate dates from the 12th century. On the side of the gate facing Piazza

one can admire the marble shrine of the Madonna with Child and Saints.

In 1933, the iron tower was inaugurated as Torre Littoria. Since the Branca distillery (Fernet Branca) restored the tower, it received their name. The elevator transports

visitors in 90 seconds to a height of 99 meters. From here, one has a fantastic view of Milan. Admission is free every Wednesday.

Porta Ticinese Antica

Porta Ticinese Antica is one of the medieval main gates in the former fortification of Milan. The gate is also known as Port Cicco. It was built in the 12th century, but in 1861 the

gate was reconstructed by Camillo Boito. During the reconstruction, the two side gates were also created.

Porta Venezia

Until 1860, Porta Venezia was called Porta Orientale or Porta Renza. Toward the end of the 18th century, the ruling Habsburgs began transforming the area into a

recreational zone. The Giardino Pubblico Indro Montanelli next to Porta Venezia is the oldest city park in Milan.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is Milan's shopping arcade. The gallery was named after Victor Emanuel II, the King of Italy, who opened the impressive structure on September 15, 1867. The stylish shopping center houses a selection of

the finest luxury brands and is one of the oldest shopping temples in the world.

Modern Structures

Allianz Tower (Torre Allianz)

The Allianz Tower has 50 floors and is the second tallest building in Italy. It stands in the “CityLife Complex” (Tre Torri Fiera), which will consist of three buildings - the Allianz Tower, the Generali Tower, and the Libeskind Tower

(Il Curvo). The Allianz Tower is also called Torre Isozaki or Il Dritto after its architect.

has 27 floors and Torre D comprises 19 floors. The “vertical forest” consists of about 2,000 trees and shrubs and guarantees a completely new and pleasant living

Casa Milan

Barbara Berlusconi, Silvio Berlusconi's daughter, is vice president of AC Milan. She was one of the driving forces behind this prestige project. Casa Milan was opened in 2014; it is the official seat of the soccer club AC Milan.

Here are also the Mondo Milan Museum, a Milan Store, and Cucina Milanello.

Pirelli Skyscraper (Grattaciello Pirelli)

When the Pirellone (the big Pirelli) was opened in 1960, it was the second tallest building in Europe. Since 1978, it has been the seat of the government and parliament of the Lombardy region. When a small plane from Switzerland

crashed into the building in 2002, photos of the building went around the world.

Palazzo Lombardia

Palazzo Lombardia is composed of a group of seven- to nine-story buildings and a skyscraper over 160 meters high. Here is the seat of the regional government and administration of Lombardy. Bars, restaurants, and cafés as well as an auditorium complete the offering.

and was supported by architect Paolo Caputo. The energy management.

Torre Solaria

In the middle of the administrative district, the residential complex Torre Solaria was built. The building consists of three wings of different heights. Over a hundred units

were accommodated in the tower - including extremely luxurious apartments spanning two and three floors.

Torre Velasca

Although planned as early as 1950, the quirky skyscraper was only built in 1957. Completion of the building took only 292 days. It was named after Juan Fernández de Velasco, a Spanish governor of the Duchy of Milan in the 17th century. The shape of Torre Velasca is meant to recall Castello Sforzesco.

Unicredit Tower (Torre Unicredit)

In 2012, the skyscraper complex designed by Argentine architect César Pelli was opened. At 231 meters, it is the tallest building in Italy. The Unicredit banking group has its

headquarters here. The parts of the skyscraper complex stand on a circular podium with a diameter of 100 meters.

Art & Culture

In the palace of the Milanese noble family Anguissola, built in the 17th century, paintings and sculptures by Italian artists from the 19th century are exhibited. Right next to it

is Palazzo Brentani, where one finds Italian art from the 20th century.

Museo del Novecento

Museo del Novecento is housed in Palazzo dell'Arengario and the adjacent Palazzo Reale di Milano. Works from the 20th century are presented here. The former collection of

contemporary art housed in the Arengario Palace was integrated into Museo del Novecento.

Milan

Scala (Teatro alla Scala)

The Milan Scala, opened in 1778, is one of the most famous opera houses in the world. The construction dates back to Empress Maria Theresa, who commissioned

architect Giuseppe Piermarini in 1776 to build an opera house in the capital of the then Austrian Lombardy.

Museo Teatrale alla Scala

The museum of the Milan Scala offers a deep insight into the history of this renowned cultural site.

Stadio Giuseppe Meazza - “San Siro”

Classifying the topic of soccer under “Art & Culture” is a matter of course for sports-enthusiastic Italians. Stadio Giuseppe Meazza is still known by its old name “San Siro.”

It is the home of AC Milan and Inter Milan. The stadium, which seats over 80,000 spectators, also has an impressive museum.

Pavarotti Museum

The Pavarotti restaurant and museum was opened on the occasion of the Expo in 2015. The restaurant also serves tortellini and tagliatelle al ragù, which Pavarotti particularly

enjoyed. The venue, located on the fourth floor of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, was opened by Pavarotti's widow Nicoletta Mantovani.

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The team

This e-book was made possible through the kind support of the regional tourist offices and the OBB. German proofreading and editorial: Martin Andergassen.

References

Text, videos and photos by Rudolf J. Strutz unless otherwise stated. Timetables and travel information: OBB

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