The second largest Italian city, Milan is a combination of glamour, elegance, culture, art, and architecture. Here are some facts about Milan that you probably didn’t know about and well, you should know before exploring the city.

Source: Flickr/gatogrunge

If you’re searching for luck…

One of the main attractions in Milan, the capital of fashion, is the glamours Galleria Vittorio Emanuelle II. But what you probably didn’t know is that the local legends say that in the very heart of the mall, where the Turin Bull of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is, you have to spin around on the bull’s private part and you’ll be granted good luck. Is worth the shot, right?

Source: Flickr/xiquinhosilva

The Last Supper

The Last Supper, one of the most famous paintings in the world is in Milan. You can see Leonardo Da Vinci paint in Santa Maria della Grazie church. In Milan, you can see a lot of things related to him since he spent 17 years living in the city.

If you’re interested to see more of the great artist and inventor, Leonardo da Vinci, check out the National Museum of Science and Technology.

Source: Flickr/Anna & Michal

Welcome to the most famous opera house in Europe!

No, you didn’t read it wrong. In Milan, you can find the fascinating Teatro alla Scala. The theatre was designed by the neoclassical architect Giuseppe Piermarini and opened on August 3, 1778.

The home of many ballet performances, the Teatro alla Scala Orchestra, concerts, recitals and, of course, opera. Teatro alla Scala can accommodate two thousand visitors sitting and is one of the best opera and ballet theatres in the world.

When you get to the Teatro, don’t let the outside view fool you! Just wait until you get in to have a nice look at this majestic building.

Source: Flickr/ 快樂雲

Bar Luce, director Wes Anderson’s coffee for Prada

The wonderful color palettes of director Wes Anderson’s films have come to life at Bar Luce, a beautiful space at the Fondazione Prada.

The bar’s decoration was inspired by the atmosphere of Milanese traditional cafés from the 1950s and ’60s.

Street art in Milan

Such a multicultural city like Milan inspired many street artists to show their art on the walls. If you’re interested in a walk around the city check out Leoncavallo, one of the largest, oldest and most famous ‘centri sociali’ in Milan. Since you’re in Leoncavallo, enjoy an alternative nightlife.

Source: Flickr/thebaldwin

Arch of Peace not so peaceful

The wonderful Arco della Pace began to be built when Milan was under the French domination to celebrate Napoleon. But it was later completed by Francis I of Austria. He decided to dedicate the monument to peace. To make fun of the French because of the fall of Napoleon the horses were turned 180 degrees in order to show their back towards France.

Source: FLickr/Lynette Chea

3400 statues in one cathedral

You probably have heard about the breathtaking monument, and Gothic cathedral, Duomo. This entire building is impressive and besides having 3400 statues, adorned with 135 spires it also has the largest stained-glass windows in Christendom.

And in case you didn’t know it, the view from the Duomo’s rooftop is definitely something you want to see.

Happy hour matters in Milan

Like any other cosmopolitan city, Milan is the native city of the aperitif. So the idea here is that besides enjoying a cocktail you can eat for free. If you want to go full Italian, order a Negroni!

The traditional time for the aperitif is from 7 pm to 9 pm.

Want to learn more about the city?

So how about booking a tour with someone that speaks perfect English and can give you extremely interesting tips and facts? Check out the tours we offer in Milan and choose what fits you better. Remember that, with Veditalia, you can customize your trip!