''Milan is boring, there's nothing to see there'', they said

30 things to see in Milan

When I talk to other people about Milan, they either don't know where it is, (I'd often be asked whereabouts in Spain Milan is) or else they find that there's nothing interesting to see there.

Well, first of all that means they weren't paying attention in history class and second of all something was wrong when they were in Milan. One must note, that Milan is a complicated city. That means, one must discover a lot of things by themselves and they have to look for lots of places by themselves. I can understand that at first glance Milan looks very grey, chaotic, and concrete. But once you get to know the city a bit better, you will come to appreciate it a bit more.

I'll show you guys now what you can see if you are in Milan for a short visit or even if you're staying for a longer amount of time.

1. Duomo di Milano

Of course, everyone knows the 'Duomo' and it forms part of the heart of the city for a reason. On the list of 'most important landmarks' for Milan, this is one that should not be missed. (Source)

2. Galleria Vittorio Emmanuele II

Elegant, and kept in a Neo - Renaissance style, this gallery can be found between Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala and is home to some of the most expensive and stylish brands around. (Source)

3. Museo del '900

At the Sala Fontana, one can see not only Milanese artist Lucio Fontana's ''Soffitto Spaziale'', but also the breathtaking and stunning Piazza del Duomo. (Source)

4. Ca' Granada

Formerly home to the oldest hospital in Milan, the ''Ospedale Maggiore'' called the Ca' Granada by locals is today the headquarters for the city's public university. (Source)

5. Piazza degli Affari

Here you can find the most well known sculpture from Maurizio Cattelan. It is called L. O. V. E. (also called ''Il Dito'), and features a raised middle finger that is directed towards the Milan stock markets. (Source)

6. Piazza Cordusio

This interesting space is not just a meeting point for the suit wearers of Milan but it also offers a charming view of the Duomo, the Piazza Cairoli and the Castello Sforzesco. (Source)

7. Via Montenapoleone

This is one of the most popular streets in the whole of Milan because it symbolizes the luxury and splendour of this fashionable city. (Source)

8. Teatro alla Scala

La Scala is one of the most popular and prestigious Opera houses in the whole world. Being able to witness a live opera here is an unforgettable experience!

(Source)

9. Casa Manzoni

Find out more about Alessandro Manzoni - one of the most popular Italian writers. His book ''I promessi sposi'' still holds a spell over the community today! (Source)

10. Stazione Centrale

A beautiful railway station is situated in the middle of the most modern part of the city amongst other sky scrapers and fascist buildings. The railway station doesn't fit in with the modern buildings, but it is still fascinating nonetheless. (Source)

11. Casa Boschi di Stefano

''Casa Museo'' is located in a quiet side street of Corso Buenos Aires. It is an apartment that has been converted into a museum and it houses a very interesting and valuable art collection from the 20th Century. (Source)

12. Museo civico di storia naturale

This natural history museum is surrounded by the Giardini Pubblici, which gives it relaxing and 'springlike' atmosphere. It is especially suitable for children! (Source)

13. Palazzo Dugnani

A pleasant rococo styled Villa is located on the other side of the park. The inside walls are all decorated with impressive frescos by Venetian artist Giambattista Tiepolo. (Source)

14. Villa Necchi Campiglio

This stylish Villa in the style of 'Movimento Moderno' was built in the 1930's by the Industrialist family Necchi Campiglio. Today it is one of the secret treasures of the city. It was used as a location for the film ''Io sono l'amore'' with Tilda Swinton, among other things. (Source)

15. Rotonda della Bessana

The church of San Michele ai Nuovi Sepolcri is located in the middle of a round complex. It is surrounded by lush grassland and can be used as a space to relax in when the weather is nice. The complex functions today as a park or venue for special events. (Source)

16. Giardono della Guastalla

This public garden is probably one of the most romantic places out of the whole city because the small pond ''La Peschiera''creates an idyllic atmosphere. (Source)

17. Terme di Milano

This thermal spring is located in the hip part of the Porta Romana district. It is particularly noticeable by its outer area and is located in the center of Milan. It is protected by the ancient Spanish walls of Bastioni in front of the urban jungle. (Source)

18. Porta Ticinese

The area of Porta Ticinese is the meeting place for all night owls because the Milanese ''Movida'' takes place here. Keep an eye out for the many creative wall paintings and graffiti art that one can discover here. (Source)

19. Cappella Portinari

A beautiful chapel is located not far from the Porta Ticinese in the Basilica di Sant'Eustorigio. It was designed by Vincenzo Foppa, one of the most important Lombardian Renaissance painters and predecessors of Leonardo. (Source)

20. Colonne & Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore

Built from Roman materials, these pillars were once an integral part of the early Christian Church. Today this space attracts the young people of Milan. They buy cheap drinks from the surrounding bars and then sit on the Piazza to enjoy the evening. (Source)

21. Navigli

Both Navigli and the Darsena (they lead to each other) are the only places in the city that are watered. One can comfortably explore the Navigli and then settle down in one of the many stylish restaurants. (Source)

22. Anfiteatro romano

At the beginning of Corso Genova lies this 'secret' and somewhat hidden park, which houses the ruins of Amphitheatres from the Roman times when the city was still called Mediolanum. (Source)

23. Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio

After the Duomo is this Basilica, which was built in 379 A. D.It is the most important church in the city. Not only is it a perfect example of early Christian architecture, it is also an important historical site for Milan. (Source)

24. Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie & "Das Abendmahl"

I am officially clearing it up now for all the uninformed people: Leonardo da Vinci's ''The Last Supper'' is located in Milan, specifically in the beautiful Santa Maria delle Grazie church that was built by Donato Bramante. And it is not a picture, but a mural painting, that is located in the dining room of the church. (Source)

25. Parco Sempione

This large and romantic park is located in the city centre, it is twisted in such a way that one can completely escape the city noise. Furthermore, lots of tourist attractions are located in and around the park. (Source)

26. Arco della Pace

This Neo - Classical arch of triumph lies at the beginning of the bustling Corso Sempione. It is a result of Viennese Congresses that were established to celebrate the peace between European countries. (Source)

27. La Triennale di Milano

La Triennale is Milan's museum for comtemporary Art, from which offers a beautiful view of the Parco Sempione from the terrace. The museum organises special exhibitionss and unusual events from time to time. (Source)

28. Castello Sforzesco

Directly in front of the Parco Sempione is this Ancient Renaissance castle, which was once the place of residence for the Sforza family in Milan. Today the castle provides accommodation facilities for various museums, like the the Pinakothek of the Castle, the Egyptian Museum or the Museo d'arte antica, in which Michelangelo's "Pietà Rondanini" is located. (Source)

29. Acquario Civico

It is the third oldest aquarium in the world and was built for the Milan Expo in 1906. The pavilion is decorated in the typical liberty style of the time and is locaged next to the east entrance to the Parco Sempione. (Source)

30. Pinacoteca di Brera

This museum of great significance is home to some of the most important paintings in modern Italian art. Among others, there are works by artists such as Perungino, Bramente, Mantegna, Bellini, Tintoretto ( see photo ), Tiziano or Caravaggion in the Pinakothek. The Maestri from Lombardy and Veneto are particularly abundant. (Source)

Still think there is nothing to do in Milan? The capital of Lombardy is a real paradise for those who are interested in art and culture. One just has to keep their eyes open and focus their attention on the beauty of the city.

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