MILAN CRUISE & STAY

The Duomo di Milano, or Milan Cathedral, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Milan and one of Europe’s greatest architectural and cultural landmarks. Located at the heart of the city, all of Milan’s main streets radiate from this spot.

Constructed over a span of nearly six centuries, the cathedral’s construction began in 1386 and was completed in 1965. The original plan for a Gothic cathedral with a cruciform nave and transept was commissioned by Archbishop Antonio da Saluzzo. The construction introduced High Gothic into mainland Italy from across the Alps and northern Europe.

The cathedral is made of pink-hued white marble from a dedicated quarry. It is one of the largest and most magnificent churches in the world, and the largest church in the Italian Republic. Its enormous dimensions—about 126,000 square feet—make it one of the world’s largest Roman Catholic cathedrals.

Inside the vast interior, capable of holding 40,000 visitors, five great aisles stretch from the entrance to the altar. Enormous stone pillars dominate the nave, which is constructed of brick and encased in marble. The walls and niches house more statuary than any other building in the world—a staggering 3,159 images.

The cathedral’s most famous effigy, the Madonnina (Little Madonna), rests on top of the tallest spire covered in 3,900 pieces of gold leaf. The cathedral also houses a nail said to have been used for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The roof bursts with spires, gargoyles, and marble statues and offers stunning views of the city. The cathedral is not just another church, it is the city’s most important landmark located in the centre of it all.

The Navigli District is a historic and vibrant area located in the heart of Milan. The district is known for its charming canals, lively atmosphere, and eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

The district was originally built in the 12th century as a network of navigable canals to facilitate the transportation of goods. Today, it gets its name from the two man-made canals that cross it – the Naviglio Grande and the Naviglio Pavese. These canals were used for the transport of goods and people as well as for irrigation.

The Navigli District is a testament to Milan’s rich history and culture, offering visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. The district is filled with cool bars and art galleries, hip restaurants and vintage shops. It also hosts Milan’s best flea and antiques market, held every last Sunday of the month.

The Navigli District is also known for its thriving art scene, with numerous galleries and studios showcasing works by local and international artists. The nightlife in the district is legendary, as the area comes alive after dark with music, laughter, and the clinking of glasses.

So, if you’re in Milan, a visit to the Navigli District is a must. Whether you’re looking to explore quaint boutiques, enjoy a laid-back evening sipping cocktails by the canal, or dance the night away in one of the area’s trendy clubs, the Navigli District has something for everyone.

The Monumental Cemetery (Cimitero Monumentale di Milano) is one of the two largest cemeteries in Milan, Italy.Established on 1 January 1867, the cemetery was designed by the architect Carlo Maciachini. It was planned to consolidate a number of small cemeteries that used to be scattered around the city into a single location. The cemetery is noted for the abundance of artistic tombs and monuments.

The cemetery is home to a wide range of contemporary and classical Italian sculptures as well as Greek temples, elaborate obelisks, and other original works. Many of the tombs belong to noted industrialist dynasties, and were designed by artists such as Adolfo Wildt, Giò Ponti, Arturo Martini, Agenore Fabbri, Lucio Fontana, Medardo Rosso, Giacomo Manzù, Floriano Bodini, and Giò Pomodoro.

The main entrance is through the large Famedio, a massive Hall of Fame-like Neo-Medieval style building made of marble and stone that contains the tombs of some of the city’s and the country’s most honored citizens, including that of novelist Alessandro Manzoni.

The cemetery also has a special section for those who do not belong to the Catholic religion and a Jewish section. Near the entrance, there is a permanent exhibition of prints, photographs, and maps outlining the cemetery’s historical development.

The Monumental Cemetery is more than just a resting place for the departed. It is an open-air museum that offers a unique insight into the city’s history and culture. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or architecture, a visit to the Monumental Cemetery in Milan is a must.

The Sforza Castle (Castello Sforzesco) is a medieval fortification located in Milan, Northern Italy. It was built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan, on the remnants of a 14th-century fortification. Later renovated and enlarged, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was one of the largest citadels in Europe.

The castle is situated at the northern end of Via Dante. It was extensively rebuilt by Luca Beltrami in 1891–1905, and now houses several of the city’s museums and art collections. These include the Museum of Antique Art, the Museum of Musical Instruments, and the Picture Gallery. The “Rondanini Pietà,” Michelangelo’s unfinished last work, is also housed there.

The castle was the main residence in the city of its Visconti lords, and was destroyed by the short-lived Golden Ambrosian Republic which ousted them in 1447. In 1450, Francesco Sforza began reconstruction of the castle to turn it into his princely residence. In 1452 he hired the sculptor and architect Filarete to design and decorate the central tower, which is still known as the Torre del Filarete.

The castle is open to the public, and the courtyard is a public park. It is a significant cultural and artistic landmark, offering visitors a unique insight into the city’s history and culture. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or architecture, a visit to the Sforza Castle in Milan is a must.