Piazza Duomo – Cathedral Square Milan

Milan, the capital of Lombardy, has a population of 1.3 million people. It is the biggest industrial city of Italy with many different industrial sectors. It is a magnetic point for designers, artists, photographers and models, and also an important cultural center. Churches range from early medieval basilicas to the gothic splendor of Milan Cathedral – the Duomo. This is Italy’s second largest cathedral, after St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Among the most notable landmarks are also La Scala Theatre, the opera house with an illustrious history and reputation; the Castello Sforzesco, a grand medieval castle; the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, an ancient and glamorous arcaded shopping gallery. Tourists also enjoy the many art galleries and museums, such as Pinacoteca di Brera Gallery – housing one of Italy’s most important art collections; the Modern Art Gallery and the recently completed Museum of Twentieth-Century Art. Last but not least, the city hosts Leonardo da Vinci’s 15th century masterpiece The Last Supper, that can be visited at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church upon appointment. Arguably the artist’s finest achievement, it was miraculously spared from Second World War bombing as the building around it fell. Leonardo’s presence is also felt in Italy’s largest technology museum, the Leonardo da Vinci Science and Technology Museum. Among its large collections and exhibits is a gallery with Da Vinci’s drawings, and models of his inventions.
 

Alla Scala Theatre – intern view Milan

Milan is also the fashion capital, with best shops to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re up for eating or drinking, football or shopping, Milan excels at recreation. Two great areas to go out in Milan are around the Brera gallery and the Navigli area. Milan offers lively bars, restaurants and nightclubs; some of them include live music, especially jazz music and some local bands. Start your nightlife with the famous happy hour aperitivo, that is served from about 18.00 in the many bars and pubs of the city. Milan is thus an intriguing blend history, art, fashion, and fun, and the combination of its rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure makes it one of the most interesting Italian city.
 

Raffaello, the Virgin Marriage, Brera, Milan

If you desire, visit this website and print the map of Milan: http://www.use-it.travel/cities/detail/milan/

More info about tours in Milan at: http://www.turismo.milano.it/wps/portal/tur/en

Getting to Milan

As a major population center, and as the industrial heartland of Italy, Milan has excellent connections for international travel. Three airports serve the greater Milan area. Milano Malpensa is the most important International airport in northern Italy and the main hub for (long-distance) international airlines; it is located 48 Km north-west of Milan. Milano Linate is located just 7 km from Milan city and serves domestic and short-haul flights. Orio al Serio (at 45km from the city center) hosts low cost airlines. All airports have bus connections to Milan main stations, and Malpensa has its own train station that links it to Milano Cadorna and Milano Centrale Stations (see useful links).

Milano Centrale (Milan Central Train Station) is located in the center of Milan and is not far away from many of Milan’s popular sites such as the Duomo. Address: Piazza Duca d’Aosta. Hours of operation: Closed from 1 am to 5 am.
 

Getting to Milan center from the airports 

From Malpensa Airport

Buses run every 15 minutes, length around 50 minutes
Last stop: Milano Central Station
Ticket: 10 Euros
Timetables at:
www.malpensashuttle.it
http://www.autostradale.it/interna.aspx?gr=2&sez=60&sot=2&ae=4 
 

From Linate Airport

City Line No. 73
Last Stop: Milano Piazza San Babila, Metro Line 1
Buses run every 10 minutes, length around 30 minutes
Ticket: 1,50 Euros
Timetables at:  www.atm.it

From Orio al Serio Airport (BUS):

Buses run every 30 minutes, length around 50 minutes
Last stop: Milano Central Station
Ticket: 5 Euros (online price: 3,50 Euros)
Timetables at: http://www.orioshuttle.com/_eng/