Custom Walk in Milan, Italy by jackie_stice_8c737 created on 2025-07-01
Guide Location: Italy » Milan
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 5
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Share Key: F52J7
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 5
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Share Key: F52J7
How It Works
Please retrieve this walk in the 911爆料网 app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.
Retrieve This Walk in App
Step 1. Download the app "911爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2. In the 911爆料网 app, download(or launch) the guide "Milan Map and Walking Tours".
Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: F52J7
1) Chiesa di San Bernardino alle Ossa (Church of Bones) (must see)
The small church of San Bernardino alle Ossa is famous for its unique decoration, which includes human skulls and bones; a fascinating example of how death and religion have been intertwined throughout history.
The church has origins dating back to the 13th century, when its ossuary served as the final resting place for the victims of the plague from the nearby San Barnaba hospital. It was reconstructed in rococo style in 1679 after its collapse due to the fallen bell tower of the neighboring Santo Stefano church. The walls of the reconstructed ossuary, adorned with a frescoed vault depicting the "Triumph of Souls among Flying Angels," are now adorned with an eerie display of human bones, including the skulls of executed prisoners.
The chapel-Ossuary left such an impression on King John V of Portugal that in 1738 he had an exact replica made in 脡vora, near Lisbon.
All in all, a must-see destination for anyone interested in macabre art and architecture.
Why You Should Visit:
Not many churches out there are decorated with thousands of human bones 鈥� in Rococo style, at that!
For those with a macabre side or an interest in medieval Christianity, you have to see this place in the middle of urban Milan.
Tip:
You can take photos in here but are not allowed to use flash... or talk.
The church has origins dating back to the 13th century, when its ossuary served as the final resting place for the victims of the plague from the nearby San Barnaba hospital. It was reconstructed in rococo style in 1679 after its collapse due to the fallen bell tower of the neighboring Santo Stefano church. The walls of the reconstructed ossuary, adorned with a frescoed vault depicting the "Triumph of Souls among Flying Angels," are now adorned with an eerie display of human bones, including the skulls of executed prisoners.
The chapel-Ossuary left such an impression on King John V of Portugal that in 1738 he had an exact replica made in 脡vora, near Lisbon.
All in all, a must-see destination for anyone interested in macabre art and architecture.
Why You Should Visit:
Not many churches out there are decorated with thousands of human bones 鈥� in Rococo style, at that!
For those with a macabre side or an interest in medieval Christianity, you have to see this place in the middle of urban Milan.
Tip:
You can take photos in here but are not allowed to use flash... or talk.
2) Duomo di Milano (Milan Cathedral) (must see)
The Milan Cathedral, otherwise known as the Duomo, is the seat of the Archbishop of Milan and the largest church in Italy (the third largest in Europe and the fourth largest in the world), covering an area of 12,000 sqm and weighing a staggering 325,000 tons!
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary Nascent and has been the epicenter of the city's life since 1386. Its foundation was laid by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who died in 1402 when only half of the structure had been finished, upon which the construction came to a standstill for almost 80 years because of the lack of funds and ideas. It resumed only in 1500, and by 1510 the octagonal dome was completed 鈥� embellished with four series of 15 statues representing different characters from the Bible.
In 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte forced completion of the fa莽ade, which overall took another seven years of work. In honor of his efforts, a statue of Napoleon was erected at the top of one of the spires. Later, the Duomo also hosted his crowning ceremony. However, it wasn't until the 20th century, with the completion of the last gate, that the centuries-long construction of the cathedral was finally over, marked by inauguration on January 6, 1965.
A climb to the roof, much as a descend to the Paleo Christian baptistery beneath the west side of the Duomo are the highlights of a visit here. The rooftop offers a closer look at the intricate details of the spires and the gargoyles adorning it, plus a breathtaking view over of the city, some 70 meters above ground, replete with myriads of statues, pinnacles, tracery and flying buttresses. In order to get there, visitors have to traverse 201 stairs up through a winding narrow passageway, which is a bit tiring. Still, those who wish, can spare the effort and use an elevator.
Why You Should Visit:
Milan's one truly must-visit sight 鈥� a vast riot of ornate religious sculpture on the exterior, and the interior sublimely huge.
Tip:
Buy an online skip-the-line ticket that covers entry and access to the elevator.
The surrounding piazza comes at its finest at night when the cathedral's fa莽ade is lit by white lights.
The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Mary Nascent and has been the epicenter of the city's life since 1386. Its foundation was laid by Gian Galeazzo Visconti, who died in 1402 when only half of the structure had been finished, upon which the construction came to a standstill for almost 80 years because of the lack of funds and ideas. It resumed only in 1500, and by 1510 the octagonal dome was completed 鈥� embellished with four series of 15 statues representing different characters from the Bible.
In 1805, Napoleon Bonaparte forced completion of the fa莽ade, which overall took another seven years of work. In honor of his efforts, a statue of Napoleon was erected at the top of one of the spires. Later, the Duomo also hosted his crowning ceremony. However, it wasn't until the 20th century, with the completion of the last gate, that the centuries-long construction of the cathedral was finally over, marked by inauguration on January 6, 1965.
A climb to the roof, much as a descend to the Paleo Christian baptistery beneath the west side of the Duomo are the highlights of a visit here. The rooftop offers a closer look at the intricate details of the spires and the gargoyles adorning it, plus a breathtaking view over of the city, some 70 meters above ground, replete with myriads of statues, pinnacles, tracery and flying buttresses. In order to get there, visitors have to traverse 201 stairs up through a winding narrow passageway, which is a bit tiring. Still, those who wish, can spare the effort and use an elevator.
Why You Should Visit:
Milan's one truly must-visit sight 鈥� a vast riot of ornate religious sculpture on the exterior, and the interior sublimely huge.
Tip:
Buy an online skip-the-line ticket that covers entry and access to the elevator.
The surrounding piazza comes at its finest at night when the cathedral's fa莽ade is lit by white lights.
3) Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square) (must see)
The gigantic central piazza, milling with people and pigeons, is awe-inspiring, with the Museo del Novecento being a particularly impressive sight. No caf茅s spill onto it, but the historic Camparino is tucked under the porticoes, created by the founder of the Campari dynasty in 1867. It was here, at the entrance to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, that Verdi used to enjoy a drink after concerts and where, in 1877, Milanese nobility flocked to see the first experiment in electric lighting. It was also here, in this Art Nouveau interior, that stressed Milanese still relax over a coffee or Campari, served with over-sized olives.
The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) on the south side of the Duomo stands on the site of the original Broletto or town hall, destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa in 1162. It was rebuilt in 1171, then later transformed into the Ducal Palace for the Visconti and Sforza dynasties. On the occasion of Galeazzo Visconti鈥檚 marriage to Beatrice d鈥橢ste in Modena, their entry into Milan was marked by eight days of festivities at the palace. In 1336 the Church of San Gottardo in Corte was built as the Visconti鈥檚 private chapel. You can still see the charming colonnaded campanile rising to the rear of the palace, but the church itself was destroyed when the building was incorporated into the neoclassical palace. In 1412 the church steps were the scene of the murder of Giovanni Maria Visconti; as a consequence, the family decided to reside in the safer environs of the fortified castle. Under the Sforza a theatre was established at the palace, and in 1595 Mozart, who was only 14, performed here.
Another unmissable landmark in the piazza is, of course, Ercole Rosa's 1896 equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, first king of Italy, who triumphantly entered Milan in 1859.
The Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) on the south side of the Duomo stands on the site of the original Broletto or town hall, destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa in 1162. It was rebuilt in 1171, then later transformed into the Ducal Palace for the Visconti and Sforza dynasties. On the occasion of Galeazzo Visconti鈥檚 marriage to Beatrice d鈥橢ste in Modena, their entry into Milan was marked by eight days of festivities at the palace. In 1336 the Church of San Gottardo in Corte was built as the Visconti鈥檚 private chapel. You can still see the charming colonnaded campanile rising to the rear of the palace, but the church itself was destroyed when the building was incorporated into the neoclassical palace. In 1412 the church steps were the scene of the murder of Giovanni Maria Visconti; as a consequence, the family decided to reside in the safer environs of the fortified castle. Under the Sforza a theatre was established at the palace, and in 1595 Mozart, who was only 14, performed here.
Another unmissable landmark in the piazza is, of course, Ercole Rosa's 1896 equestrian statue of Vittorio Emanuele II, first king of Italy, who triumphantly entered Milan in 1859.
4) Castello Sforzesco (Sforzesco Castle) (must see)
Castello Sforzesco, one of the largest fortresses in Europe, was originally built in the 14th century to house the Duchy of Milan. Despite its long history of battles, invasions, sacking and destruction, the castle has endured and been restored many times. One of its towers, the Filarete tower, once used to store ammunition, famously exploded in 1521 after being struck by lightning, causing many casualties and significant damage to the fortress.
During the Napoleonic era, the castle was severely damaged and used as quarters for troops, including stables in the frescoed rooms on the ground floor of the Corte Ducale. However, following Italy's Unification in the late 19th century, the castle was reconstructed by architect Luca Beltrami and returned to the city of Milan in 1905. Today, it is a prominent hub of art and culture, boasting seven museums accessible to the public.
The interior of is adorned with exquisitely detailed works of art, notably the intricate ceiling fresco in the magnificent Sala delle Asse, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, who was commissioned by his patrons, the Sforza family. The fresco depicts a pergola in a garden with 16 mulberry trees held together by a golden rope.
Why You Should Visit:
Each room herein is a treasure, not only for the exhibited items, but also for the ceiling frescoes which are wonders in their own right.
Entrance to the castle is free, so if you're on a budget, just walk through and admire the courtyards and architecture. As for the "all museums" fee, it is quite reasonable.
Tip:
Exploring the entire Castello Sforzesco, complete with its gardens, may take a few days.
Try to go on Tuesday around 2pm to get free entry (entry on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is free for all public museums).
There's no way to access the battlements or the "inside" (aside from the museums) except by a guided tour, so consider booking one in advance.
During the Napoleonic era, the castle was severely damaged and used as quarters for troops, including stables in the frescoed rooms on the ground floor of the Corte Ducale. However, following Italy's Unification in the late 19th century, the castle was reconstructed by architect Luca Beltrami and returned to the city of Milan in 1905. Today, it is a prominent hub of art and culture, boasting seven museums accessible to the public.
The interior of is adorned with exquisitely detailed works of art, notably the intricate ceiling fresco in the magnificent Sala delle Asse, painted by Leonardo da Vinci, who was commissioned by his patrons, the Sforza family. The fresco depicts a pergola in a garden with 16 mulberry trees held together by a golden rope.
Why You Should Visit:
Each room herein is a treasure, not only for the exhibited items, but also for the ceiling frescoes which are wonders in their own right.
Entrance to the castle is free, so if you're on a budget, just walk through and admire the courtyards and architecture. As for the "all museums" fee, it is quite reasonable.
Tip:
Exploring the entire Castello Sforzesco, complete with its gardens, may take a few days.
Try to go on Tuesday around 2pm to get free entry (entry on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month is free for all public museums).
There's no way to access the battlements or the "inside" (aside from the museums) except by a guided tour, so consider booking one in advance.
5) Cimitero Monumentale di Milano (Monumental Cemetery) (must see)
The Cimitero Monumentale ("Monumental Cemetery"), designed by Carlo Maciachini, is one of Milan's two largest cemeteries, along with the Cimitero Maggiore. It was created to unite small cemeteries spread throughout the city and provide a single location away from the densely populated central city area. Officially opened in 1866, it has since then been filled with a wide range of contemporary and classical Italian sculptures, Greek temples, elaborate obelisks, and other original works, such as a scaled-down version of Trajan's Column. Many of the tombs belong to notable industrialist dynasties.
The large Famedio, a massive Hall of Fame-like Neo-Medieval style building made of marble and stone, serves as the main entrance and contains the tombs of some of the city's and the country's most esteemed citizens, including that of novelist Alessandro Manzoni.
The Civico Mausoleo Palanti, designed by architect Mario Palanti, is a tomb built for the deserving citizens of Milan.
The memorial of about 800 Milanese killed in Nazi concentration camps is located in the center and is the work of the group BBPR, formed by leading exponents of Italian rationalist architecture that included Gianluigi Banfi.
Also featured is a special section for those who do not belong to the Catholic religion and a Jewish section.
An exhibition near the entrance showcases prints, photographs, and maps that trace the cemetery's historical development, including two battery-operated electric hearses built in the 1920s.
The sculptures and structures of the Monumental Cemetery showcase its artistic history from Realism and Eclecticism to Liberty and Symbolism, and into the contemporary age. In other words, nothing short of a real open-air museum that one should not miss!
Why You Should Visit:
Even if you're not big on cemeteries, this is something else and it's honestly impressive, as it features unique works by some of Milan's best sculptors and artists.
The cemetery's urban design resembles a city, as it is composed of rectangular blocks framed by streets and avenues that separate tombs instead of houses.
Tip:
Summer visitors: try to avoid wearing open-toed sandals as you'll be walking on gravel paths and thus will have to keep stopping and emptying your shoes!
The large Famedio, a massive Hall of Fame-like Neo-Medieval style building made of marble and stone, serves as the main entrance and contains the tombs of some of the city's and the country's most esteemed citizens, including that of novelist Alessandro Manzoni.
The Civico Mausoleo Palanti, designed by architect Mario Palanti, is a tomb built for the deserving citizens of Milan.
The memorial of about 800 Milanese killed in Nazi concentration camps is located in the center and is the work of the group BBPR, formed by leading exponents of Italian rationalist architecture that included Gianluigi Banfi.
Also featured is a special section for those who do not belong to the Catholic religion and a Jewish section.
An exhibition near the entrance showcases prints, photographs, and maps that trace the cemetery's historical development, including two battery-operated electric hearses built in the 1920s.
The sculptures and structures of the Monumental Cemetery showcase its artistic history from Realism and Eclecticism to Liberty and Symbolism, and into the contemporary age. In other words, nothing short of a real open-air museum that one should not miss!
Why You Should Visit:
Even if you're not big on cemeteries, this is something else and it's honestly impressive, as it features unique works by some of Milan's best sculptors and artists.
The cemetery's urban design resembles a city, as it is composed of rectangular blocks framed by streets and avenues that separate tombs instead of houses.
Tip:
Summer visitors: try to avoid wearing open-toed sandals as you'll be walking on gravel paths and thus will have to keep stopping and emptying your shoes!
