Castello Sforzesco
A 35-minute (2.5 km) walk from our apartment, you can find Castello Sforzesco, a medieval fortress. The entire walk there was quiet and scenic. Constructed in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, it was built upon the foundations of a fortification dating back to 1358-1368. Over time, it was expanded and renovated, and by the 16th and 17th centuries, it had become one of the largest citadels in Europe. It was previously used as a military defensive complex. The entrance to the castle is free. You can buy an entrance ticket to the museum, but I just enjoyed the views of the castle! It was a very relaxing stroll through the castle and the surrounding area.
Torre Umberto I o del Filarete
Rivellino di San to Spirito
Cortile della Rocchetta
Emilie in Corte Ducale
Porta del Barcho
Fontana di Piazza Castello
Corte Ducale
Monumento a Giuseppe Garibaldi
Duomo di Milano & Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
The Duomo is one of my favorite places to walk during the day. My eyes can't comprehend what I am looking at when standing with it towering over me. Here is some information and pictures about the Duomo and the shopping gallery beside it, along with the Olympic countdown!
The Duomo di Milano is just a 30-minute (2.1 km) walk from our apartment. As the third-largest cathedral in the world, it is an awe-inspiring landmark that took nearly six centuries to complete, with construction beginning in 1386 and the final details finished in 1965.
The cathedral boasts an impressive array of 3,400 statues, 135 spires, 55 stained glass windows, and nearly 100 gargoyles. The structure is crafted from pink-hued white marble, sourced from the quarries of Candoglia. To transport the marble to the construction site, canals were dug, some of which are still visible along Milan’s famous navigli (where we live!), the canal network originally created for this purpose.
The Duomo is a blend of international Gothic style and traditional Lombard architecture, making it a unique and impressive structure.
At the highest point of the cathedral sits the Madonnina, a golden copper statue sculpted by Giuseppe Perego in 1774. This iconic statue, representing the Virgin Mary's Assumption into heaven, has become a symbol of Milan.
Inside, visitors can find the Sacro Chiodo (Holy Nail), believed to be one of the nails from Christ’s cross. According to tradition, the nail was miraculously discovered by Elena, the mother of Emperor Constantine. The Holy Nail has been preserved in the Duomo since March 20, 1461.
Duomo remains an active place of worship, where regular religious services are held.
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II: Directly to the left of the Duomo stands the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Italy’s oldest active shopping gallery and a major Milan landmark. Named after Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the Kingdom of Italy, the Galleria features a stunning central octagonal space topped with a glass dome. On the floor of this central space, four mosaics depict the coat of arms of the three capitals of the Kingdom of Italy—Turin, Florence, and Rome—as well as Milan’s coat of arms.
Directly to the right of the Duomo is the Palazzo Reale di Milano. In the front, there is a countdown for the Olympics!
Duomo di Milano
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Olympic countdown in front of Palazzo Reale di Milano
Duomo di Milano
Mosaic on the floor of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Duomo di Milano
Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II
Duomo di Milano
Arches & Doors
Here are some photos and information about the different arches and doors I have passed while exploring Milan!
The Arco della Pace: The Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) was originally begun in 1807 to celebrate Napoleon, but construction was halted following his defeat at Waterloo in 1815. The project resumed in 1826. The arch was completed in 1837. At the top of the arch, a Roman chariot driven by Minerva, the goddess of Peace, crowns the structure, symbolizing the peace between nations that the monument commemorates.
Arco di Porta Romana: Arco di Porta Romana is an imperial gate of the city of Milan. It was built in 1596. Today it is a roundabout leading to the city center.
Arco di Porta Ticinese: The Arco di Porta Ticinese is a 5-minute (400 m) walk from our apartment. Built by Luigi Cagnola between 1801 and 1813, it is one of the six gates in Milan’s medieval walls. It is one of the only remaining traces of the 11th-century Milanese walls, which were largely destroyed by Barbarossa’s army in 1162. There are two inscriptions. On the front, “PACI POPVLORVM SOSPITAE” (“to peace that frees peoples”), and on the back, "DEDIC ANNO MDCCCXV".
Porta Ticinese Medievale: Porta Ticinese Medievale is a gate from Milan's 12th-century walls. This Gothic-style gate, topped with a merlion, also features a tower. It originally stood on the inner side of a navigable moat that once surrounded the city.
Columnas de San Lorenzo: Columnas de San Lorenzo is a group of ancient Roman ruins, located in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
Arco della Pace
Arco di Porta Romana
Arco di Porta Ticinese
Porta Ticinese Medioevale
Columnas de San Lorenzo
Columnas de San Lorenzo
Churches
As I walk throughout Milan, I run into many churches. It is fun to learn about the history and enjoy the architectural views. We have yet to go inside any of them, but would like to eventually. Here is a little more on each of the churches pictured.
Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie: In 1463, the construction of Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie began. It was finished in 1482. This church houses The Last Supper, painted by Leonardo da Vinci between 1495-1498. It is an active Dominican monastery church.
Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore: Dates back to the 5th century. It is known for its blend of Romanesque and early Christian architecture. Over the centuries, it has undergone various renovations but remains a key religious and historical landmark in Milan. It is an active Roman Catholic church.
Basílica de Sant'Eustorgio: An 8-minute (550 m) walk from our apartment. It is one of the oldest churches in Milan. It was founded in the 4th century and rebuilt in the 19th century. It has a 73-metre-high bell tower. It is an active Roman Catholic church.
Chiesa di San Paolo Converso: It is an inactive, former Roman Catholic church, that now serves as a contemporary art space.
Basilica di Sant'Eufemia: This church was built in 472. It was rebuilt in the 15th century. The church underwent renovation in 1870. The walls are richly decorated with frescoes. It is an active Roman Catholic church.
Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte: Construction began in 1330 and was completed in 1336. The bell tower has retained its original layout. It is an active Roman Catholic church.
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie al Naviglio: There was a church here as early as the 16th century, but was demolished at least once and went through renovations. Construction of the new church began in 1901 and finished in 1909. It is on Naviglio Grande, the street next to ours. It is an active Catholic church.
San Giovanni in Conca: A crypt of a former basilica church in Milan.
Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore and Statue of Constantine: It is one of the oldest churches in Milan. It was originally built in Roman times, but has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. It is currently going through construction (see photo). In front of the church is a statue of the Roman emperor Constantine. It is an active Roman Catholic church.
Basilica di Santa Maria delle Grazie
Basilica di Santo Stefano Maggiore
Basílica de Sant'Eustorgio
Chiesa di San Paolo Converso
Basilica di Sant'Eufemia
Chiesa di San Gottardo in Corte
Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie al Naviglio
San Giovanni in Conca
Basilica San Lorenzo Maggiore and Statue of Constantine
Naviglio Grande
Naviglio Grande is a canal on the street next to ours. We have walked on it many times, whether that is to enjoy the views or in passing as we go somewhere. It dates back to the 12th century. It was originally built to transport goods, especially marble for the construction of the Duomo di Milano. Stretching for about 50 kilometers, the canal runs from the Ticino River to the city, passing through picturesque areas like the Navigli district, which is now a vibrant hub for restaurants, bars, and cultural events. The canal is also known for its beautiful bridges and scenic walks along its banks, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Today, Naviglio Grande is a symbol of Milan's rich history and its once-thriving system of canals.
Naviglio Grande
Naviglio Grande
A bridge on Naviglio Grande filled with locks
Naviglio Grande at night
Naviglio Grande
Naviglio Grande
Sunday flea market on Naviglio Grande
Food
We have been able to try a few restaurants and gelato places around our apartment. We are on the street next to Naviglio Grande, so there are a lot of options close to our place.
Barragán, a Mexican restaurant, is a 5-minute (400 m) walk from our apartment. I don't normally like corn tortillas, but these were some delicious chicken tinga tacos. Daniel got a pork sandwich. We both liked this restaurant, but won't eat here often because it is expensive.
Shancheng, a Chinese restaurant, is an 8-minute (550 m) walk from our apartment. I got the udon sauteed with beef and Daniel got the sauteed chicken. We got the sauteed rice with beef to share. It was not that expensive, around €7-€8 for a dish. We both loved it and will be going back. We will even be taking my dad when he comes to visit. That's right, it's so good it's worthy of taking the Chinese food lover there!
Five Guys is an 18-minute (1.3 km) walk from our apartment. We both got a bacon cheeseburger and fries. It was insanely expensive, but when we took our first bites of the burgers and fries, it was some of the best Five Guys we had ever had. Not sure if we would go back because it is so expensive, but it is tempting.
Coke Pizzeria is a 5-minute (350 m) walk from the apartment. We have already been here a few times. It is not expensive and the pizza is pretty good. The pizzas are a generous size and only cost around €8 each. We normally get the spicy salami pizza.
Gelateria Amorino is an 8-minute (600 m) walk from our apartment. We have been to a few gelato places so far, but this one is by far the best. We knew what it was, as we had it on our Europe trip in 2022 together. I always get either the coffee and vanilla gelato side by side, or I get their affogato. Daniel likes the pistacchio and cherry side by side or on a cone. It's dangerous how close it is!
We look forward to trying more restaurants around our apartment!
Barragán
Barragán
Barragán
Shancheng
Shancheng
Shancheng
Five Guys
Five Guys
Five Guys
Coke Pizzeria
Coke Pizzeria
Gelateria Amorino
Gelateria Amorino
Gelateria Amorino
Dogs
One of my favorite things about Milan is all of the dogs you see when walking around! The dogs are well behaved, and many are off leash. Please enjoy some dog pictures!
Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano
Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano is "the most exclusive luxury hotel in Milan". Tuesday, February 25, 2025 – Monday, March 3, 2025 was fashion week. I saw that Matt Bomer (Neal Caffrey in White Collar), my favorite actor, was in Milan for fashion week and was staying at this hotel. I went there to see what the hotel was like. I unfortunately did not see him, but I saw five "celebrities". I only knew one of them, Charli D'Amelio. We looked up the price of the rooms and they range from €1300 - €7000.
Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano
Charli D'Amelio
Street view from Palazzo Parigi Hotel & Grand Spa Milano
I have been enjoying exploring Milan. It is a big city with a lot of hidden gems.
Thank you for reading. Check back for our next post!
– The Hills
