Milan

There are lot and a huge variety of things you can see in Milan - from fine churches, old palaces, excellent museums, world class theatres and opera houses, cultural gems, striking buildings, sleek modern architectural works and lovely streets and squares. But remember, not all of them are right in the absolute centre - some of the most wonderful gems can be found near the outskirts or even outside of Milan. Note, though, that most museums are closed on Mondays.

parks and gardens

Despite not having as much greenery as some cities, Milan offers several parks and gardens, scattered all over the city.

Sempione park

is a big space of green land right behind the Sforzesco castle, and one of the most famous and popular in the city. Designed in like a neoclassical landscape garden, there are loads of features - such as a lake, an arch called the Arco della pace arch of peace, a Roman-style sports' amphitheatre, a tower which today hosts the Just Cavalli Hollywood, and several interesting features. It's a lovely leafy place to enjoy a walk at any time of the year. Reachable via Cairoli, Lanza, Cadorna or Moscova metro stations depending on what side of the park one refers to.

Giardini pubblici (public gardens)

is an old 18th century park complex in the Montenapoleone/Porta Venezia district, designed in an English Romantic garden style. Inside, you can find rockeries, water features, fountains, statues and monuments, and other interesting features. You also get a planetarium, a natural history museum, and on the other side of the Palestro street, you can also find an opulent Royal villa which today hosts a contemporary art collection within grand ornate halls. Reachable via P.ta Venezia, Turati or Palestro metro stations. The gardens are in an excellent position since they're quie near to the Duomo and Brera district, and extremely close to the Montenapoleone street and the glamorous shopping area around it.

Giardini della Guastalla (gardens of the Guastalla)

are amongst Milan's oldest founded in the 16th century, but quite small gardens, and are very close to the University district. The parks, however, were only opened to the public in the early 20th century. You can have a nice walk inside, and you also have a classical Temple-like structure and also a sort of pond with a Baroque railing surrounding it. Reachable via Crocetta, P.ta Romana, Missori or even San Babila metro stations. It's also not that far from the Duomo.

churches

Milan has the oldest churches in Italy yes-- older than the ones in Rome because Milan was the capital of the Northern part of the late Roman Empire.Some of the most beautiful churches one can see in Milan are:

The Duomo

in Duomo Square. Milan's main cathedral, a massive late Gothic church started in 1386 in white marble, with hundreds of spires and thousands of statues on its exterior and a famous façade. Don't miss the chance to climb up onto the roof and enjoy the spectacular views of the city between the Gothic spires. Inside the cathedral pictures are supposedly prohibited; however, the attendants rarely stop anyone doing so. Duomo is reachable by subway, lines MM1 or MM3, Duomo Station, or with many buses and trams. Roof open daily 9AM - 5:30PM €7 for the stairs, €12 for the lift. Unless you are physically unfit, it is best recommended to take the stairs 250 steps only and save €5. On an average, it should not take more than 5-6 minutes to climb the stairs.

Saint Mary of the Graces

'Santa Maria delle Grazie' — Houses the famous Last Supper 'Cenacolo Vinciano' by Leonardo da Vinci. It is best to reserve tickets a few months before the visit. Canceled reservations are sold from 8:15AM every morning if there are any, best to show up in person. Tickets can be be reserved by phone 02.8942.1146 or online (http://www.cenacolovincia...). Reachable by trams 20-24-29-30 or by subway, lines MM1 and MM2 Cadorna Station, or MM1 Conciliazione station.

Saint Ambrose

Basilica di Sant' Ambrogio, in Piazza San Ambrogio. A beautiful and huge Byzantic/Romanic church which was almost destroyed by allied bombing in World War 2, although some of its Byzantic mosaics are well preserved. Reachable by subway: MM2 Sant'Ambrogio.

Saint Maurice

A must-see! A stunning fully frescoed Renaissance church. Most of the paintings are the work of Bernardino Luini.

San Lorenzo (Saint Lawrence)

a lovely 4th century basilica, famous for its beautiful courtyard, with Roman-age columns and statue of the emperor Constantine. The church can be reached by tram, or the Missori metro station.