What to see in Milan
Stand well back for this one as it is the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world and the third biggest in Europe. The overall design became the inspiration for the local sweet treat panettone . The construction took a staggering 500 years to complete, from 1386-1812 but when you see the 135 spires and 3200 sculptures you may understand why. The pigeon population in the square is almost equal to that of Piazza San Marco and beware the tricky birdseed sellers. The Cathedral is also said to be the home of an original nail from the cross of Christ, positioned high above the altar and brought down for public display in September. There's no bell tower to climb here but you can ascend the 165 steps to the roof to look out over the capital of style. Entrance to roof- lift €6, stairs €4.
Built in 1867 but nearly destroyed totally in WWII this distinctive glass domed shopping arcade sits between the piazzas of the Duomo and La Scala. It's nickname is il Salotto di Milano , or Milan's drawing room. Inside you can shop 'til you drop with all the brand names or top up on coffee at one of the fancy cafés or restaurants. The mosaics inlaid on the floor represent the unified cities of Italy and if you rub your shoe over Turin's bulls testicles its said to bring good luck.
This art gallery is widely believed to be Milan's best, with over 600 works of art. Originally begun by Napoleon the collection includes pieces by Titian, Raphael and Da Vinci. You can also view the first ever still life, Caravaggio's fruit basket or 'Canestra di Frutta', painted between 1597-98.
Milan means style as La Scala means opera. This magnificent theatre was built in 1778 to replace one destroyed by fire. The new construction is large enough to seat 2000 people and was then nearly destroyed in WWII bombing raids. Thankfully it was restored and reopened in 1946. Spend some time in the Museo Teatrale alla Scala (Largo Ghiringhelli 1) to explore the rich history of the opera house with memorabilia from past divas such as Maria Callas, and probably a good alternative if you are an opera fan and missed getting tickets to a performance. Open 9am to 6pm, €5.
The most famous mural in the world is painted on the wall of the Cenacolo Vinciano, or refectory, of the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie Leonardo Da Vinci's second most famous work after the Mona Lisa is a portrayal of the moment when Jesus announces to his disciples that one of them will betray him. Leonardo made an unfortunate decision to paint it using a tempera mix of oil and egg whites instead of the more durable fresco method as the colours were then more likely to disintegrate over time. The mural has had a tumultuous history over the centuries with various restorations , renovations and was almost lost completely by 19th C restorers using alcohol and cotton wool. Subsequent floods, wars and DIY Dominicans all took their toll leaving the mural almost unrecognisable but the latest project, starting in 1977, was completed in 1999. You must book your ticket in advance over the phone, at least 3-4 days. You are then given a time to turn up and collect your ticket from the refectory desk, about 15mins before your allotted visit. It is advisable not to turn up late as your ticket will be resold. Audioguides and a short tour are available but must be booked also.€1.50 booking fee, admission €6.50
Leonardo was not just a painter, but an architect, mathematician, philosopher and engineer. This museum houses displays of Leonardo's other examples of genius. His numerous sketches and designs have been turned into intriguing working models and there is even a display of 'an ideal city'. Open 9.30am-4.50pm Tuesday-Friday, 9.30am-6.20pm Saturday/Sunday.