Sightseeing and attractions in Milan
The Cathedral
The most important example of Gothic-Lombard architecture “the Cathedral” dates back to the 14th century. It was built on the wishes of Gian Galeazzo Visconti. The church is second only after St Peter’s Cathedral in Rome and it houses almost 3500 statues. The tallest spire, which has the famous statue of the Holy Virgin on the top of it, is 108 meters high. The statue, called also “Madonnina” , is covered in 3900 pieces of gold leaf.
Santa Maria delle Grazie and Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”
The Church was built in the second half of the 15th century. It was only completed later by Bramante on the wishes of Ludovico il Moro an important nobleman. The famous architect designed the wonderful apse, the cloister and the old sacristy. In this church you can see the famous painting “The Last Supper” painted by Leonardo Da Vinci between 1495 and 1498 on the wall of the refectory. The work has been restored and brought back to its splendor.
“La Scala” Theater
This large opera house was built in 1776 by Giuseppe Piermarini on the central site of Santa Maria della Scala, an old church built in 1381. In 1943 it was badly bombed and rebuilt three years later. The theater has an important Ballet School which was founded in 1813. Composers as Giuseppe Verdi and opera singers as Luciano Pavarotti and Maria Callas preformed in this theater. The opening night of the opera season takes place on St. Ambrogio’s day, the patron saint of Milan.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a large and elegant arcade with shops, bookshops, restaurants and cafés. The construction started in 1865 and lasted two years later by the king Vittorio Emanuele II. A beautiful glass dome stands in the central octagonal area and some beautiful mosaics are on the floor.
Il Palazzo della Regione or Palazzo Lombardia
It’s the most important political seat of the Lombardy Region and it’s situated near the center of the city. It’s the highest skyscaper in Italy (161 meters) formed by the union of three buildings. It is also called by the people of Milan “Palazzo Lombardia”. Steel and glass are the principal materials used and its construction started in 2007 and finished in 2010. A garden will be built in front of the building by 2013.