Camera Ready: These are the most beautiful spots in Milan
Italy's second-largest city is currently the hotspot of the fashion scene - and it's not just the latest fashions that are worth photographing in bella Milano: these 10 spots are more than Instagram-worthy!
June 6, 2022
Culture, fashion and media: Milan is not only the second-largest city in Italy, but also undoubtedly the one that demonstrates the most style. Beautiful spots tempt you at every turn, but also interesting places like the Toiletpaper Shop. In the city centre, you walk through dreamy alleys past chic boutiques, parks and castle gardens that call for relaxation. And then there is the architecture, which makes Milan a jewel for culture lovers - starting with the imposing cathedral and ending with the Castello Sforzesco. The only thing to do is: be camera-ready - and go!
More photo inspiration: Camera ready: These are the most beautiful spots on Madeira
Milan Cathedral
If you want to photograph Milan Cathedral without crowds, you should get up very early. © Federico di Dio
Where: Piazza del Duomo, Milano 20122, Italy
What: Gothic-Baroque church
Web: duomomilano.it
The Duomo di Milano is the most extensive third largest church in the world . As if that were not reason enough to pay a visit to the imposing building, it also amazes with its architecture. 1383 in the Gothic style, the church was completed only in Napoleon's time and thus also bears baroque Architectural history in itself. Whoever can't be satisfied with a photo of the impressive facade alone, will be pleased by the more than 2000 sculptures and 135 turrets for detailed photos. A highlight is undoubtedly the walkable roof, which is ideal for panoramic shots of Milan and from which you can see as far as the Alps on nice days.
Good to know:
The opening hours of the cathedral are daily from 08:00 to 19:00, with an entrance fee of € 8,00.
Piazza Affari
Cattelan's "Il Dito" seems out of favor with the Milanese - but makes a good photo backdrop. © Shutterstock
Where: Piazza degli Affari, Milano 20123, Italy
What: Work of art, statue
You don't see this every day: in Piazza Affari, in the heart of Milan and in front of the Stock Exchange building, stands a rather extraordinary statue. The work by Maurizio Cattelan - a four-meter sixty-high, stone middle finger - is a real statement with the title "L. O. V. E." for libertà, odio, vendetta, eternita. Milanese himself calls the somewhat different work of art but only "Il Dito", the finger. Absolutely worth a snapshot!
Good to know:
Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, currently residing in New York, is one of the most renowned, controversial artists in contemporary art. That alone makes his "finger" worth seeing.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Galleria is affectionately known by Italians as "il salotto di Milano," Milan's living room. © Ouael Ben Salah
Where: Piazza del Duomo, Milano 20123, Italy
What: Shopping Gallery
Web: yesmilano.it
This noble building from 1877 will not only be known to Milan fans: the fabulous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, named after the king of Italy who advocated a nation-state, amazes with its size. A beautiful glass roof spans the Victor Emanuele Passage, which is entered via a mighty triumphal arch, allowing shoppers a sheltered day of strolling in the luxury stores. For the small appetite, an excellent offer of Italian gastronomy is ready. Buon Appetito!
Good to know:
The Galleria connects the Piazza del Duomo with the Piazza della Scala. Architecture fans can rejoice: the building is an eclectic mix of diverse architectural style epochs.
Navigli
At sunset, the Navigli district is bathed in a magical atmosphere. Best time for photos! © Cristina Gottardi
Where: Navigli, Milano
What: Water channels
Venice in Milan: the Navigli district is rightly considered one of the most beautiful places in the city. The "Navigli" are actually numerous canals and waterways that took over seven centuries to build. Today, they provide some cooling in the city and attract numerous tourists and locals to their romantic banks, which are lined with colourful buildings and restaurants. Incidentally, without these waterways, the construction of Milan Cathedral would not have been possible - because the large marble slabs were transported to the city via the canals.
Good to know:
The Naviglio Grande was built as early as the 12th century and is over 50 kilometers long.
Arco della Pace
At dusk, the Peace Arch is revealed in all its glory. © Michael Baccin
Where: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milano MI, Italy
What: Peace arch, monument
Here, the camera and smartphone simply must be pulled out: the marble Arch of Peace Arco della Pace from 1807 is the official gateway to Milan - or at least it was when the city was a bit smaller. After the photo shoot, it's off to one of the many surrounding bars and restaurants for a sundowner.
Good to know:
Best time for the photo is dusk, when the arch is solemnly illuminated.
Parco del Portello
At Monte Stella, it's all about geometric shapes. © Rodrigo Kugnharski
Where: Viale Renato Serra, Milano 20149, Italy
What: Park
Web: comune.milano.it
Charles Jencks and Andreas Kipar created this beautiful park in the north of Milan: on seven hectares, on the site of the former Alfa Romeo production halls, they have created a spacious park full of bike paths and walkways based on geometric shapes, which is a quiet alternative to the exciting maze of the city centre. Great!
Good to know:
The terrain modeling in the park is based on Monte Stella, an artificially raised hill from World War II.
Santa Maria delle Grazie
A retreat in the city: the Santa Maria is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © Diane Picchiottino
Where: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milano 20123, Italy
What: Monastery church
Web: legraziemilano.it
Originally intended as a mausoleum, Santa Maria delle Grazie was built in the Renaissance style in the 15th century. Today, the Dominican Church is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not only for its impressive domes, but also for the famous mural painting by Leonardo da Vinci in the church's refettorium.
Good to know:
Free entrance!
More about the monastery: Sleeping in a monastery: the Botanic Sanctuary in Antwerp is this beautiful
Castello Sforzesco
The red castle surrounded by green gardens is worth more than just a photo. © Joel Rohland
Where: Piazza Castello, Milano 20121, Italy
What: Castle
Web: milanocastello.it
Anyone visiting Italy should also go to the castles. And if one is worth a detour, it is probably the Castello Sforzesco, a fortress from the 14th century. Most impressive here is the massive medieval city wall. What is also worthwhile here: the museums in the halls of the castle. Works by Michelangelo and Pietà Rondanini hang here door to door with antique art, historic furniture and instruments. Highlight: in the Castello's chamber, the Sala delle Asse, Leonardo da Vinci, who also lived and worked here at court, immortalized himself via an impressive wall painting.
Good to know:
The castle courtyard and park are open daily between 7:00 and 19:30, the museums from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 19:00.
Toilet paper store
This is art: the facade of the Toiletpaper Shop in Milan. © Claudio Poggio
Where: Via Giuseppe Balzaretti, 4, Milano 20133, Italy
What: Photo magazine
Web: shoptoiletpaper.com
The iconic photo magazine Toiletpaper has opened its own store in Via Balzaretti, full of colors, patterns and eye-catchers. Here you can buy deck chairs, furniture and much more with unique prints. The store may not be a sight in itself, for photos, however, this place is fantastic! Highlight of the Toiletpaper Shop is the royal blue facade with the lipsticks - go up onto the balcony and take a photo!
Good to know:
The Toiletpaper is published twice a year and is a real eye-catcher with its bright colors, surreal photos, word games and optical illusions.
Brera
The charming alleys of the historic district of Brera are a beautiful sight even in the rain. © Simone Daino
Where: Brera
What: Artists' Quarter/Old Town Quarter
The historic district of Brera is located between Via Brera, Via Fiori Chiari, Via Fiori Oscuri and Via del Carmine and is considered Milan's fashion district. Artists and literati have always gathered in the area's cafes and bars, and today shopping enthusiasts and tourists flock to Brera. No wonder: the streets are lined with boutiques and galleries, markets and restaurants, the district is alive and entices to dolce far niente.
Good to know:
Brera is the place to be on warm summer evenings, when Milan's trendsetters settle down in the street-side cafés. To cool off, head to the Botanical Garden, also located in the artists' district.
