Excursions around Milan and nearby places. Excursions in Milan

Your first acquaintance with Milan should be with a person who lives in the city and can show you around it from all sides. A sightseeing tour of Milan from locals covers the main attractions and allows you to get in touch with the culture and history of the city.

Under the cover of darkness, Milan does not become a gloomy and mysterious city, but, on the contrary, invites you to fun and good company. Along Milan's canals there are many bars and restaurants where people of all ages gather in the evening. During a gastronomic excursion in Milan, you will stroll along the canals, visit the most colorful bars and restaurants and be able to fully feel the joyful revival of the city in the evening.

Probably, like any European city, Milan has its own, alternative side, which the guides in Milan will be happy to show you. Here you will find flea markets where you can find a lot of interesting things, private family restaurants that offer not only an excellent menu, but also original interiors, wine shops that sell wine from local wineries, interesting shops, concept stores, hipster places and much more.

Speaking about Milan, it would be wrong not to mention the famous people of the city, one of whom is Leonardo da Vinci. During a tour in Milan in the footsteps of Leonardo, you will see his monument, you will be able to visit the museum of his inventions, and also look at the church where one of the most famous paintings, the Last Supper, is currently located. The history of Milan passes through several eras, which makes it all the more interesting to observe their reflection in different areas and buildings. Together with our guides in Milan, you will trace the history of the city from antiquity, the Inquisition, the times of Napoleon and the period of fascism. Milan will not leave history buffs, shopping buffs or art lovers indifferent.

The majestic Cathedral (Duomo) appears. Its perhaps the laziest and most difficult construction lasted continuously for a good five centuries, starting from October 16th. 1387. The block, lined with lacy white marble, soars to the heavens with the flames of countless turrets, bristling spiers, carvings of cornices and arches, grotesque reliefs and sculptures. It was thanks to this building of national scope that the Gothic style, which blossomed beyond the Alps and was certainly imprinted on the appearance of the cathedral in 1392, penetrated Milan and influenced the whole of Italy. However, this intricate architectural pile held up with difficulty: the cathedral was “repaired” first in 1935, then with special care in 1943 after the bombings during the Second World War.

Near the cathedral, on the side, the Milan-Gallery Vittorio Emanuele II, (a work by Giuseppe Mengoni of the late 19th century) opens its long porticoes and triumphal arch. This is the center of Milan's social and cultural life: famous bookstores, famous bars, renowned restaurants, elegant shops are located in a small area. The Gallery It is shaped like a cross, and the octagon formed by the intersection of the crossbars is covered with a bold glass dome (47m high) and lined with mosaics with a coat of arms Savoy dynasty (red cross of St. George on a white field). At the exits are depicted the coats of arms of four Italian cities: Milan (red cross on a white field), Rome (Capitolian she-wolf), Florence (red lily) and Turin (bull). The most important of them is the bull, and according to local belief, if you stand on it and turn on your heel around your own axis, you will gain incredible wealth and happiness. On the opposite side of the passage is Piazza Scala, in the center of which is a monument to Leonardo da Vinci. The great master is surrounded by his great Lombard students. The famous La Scala opera house, which seats 3 thousand spectators, stands right there.

It was here that the first productions of Verdi's "Othello" and Puccini's "Madama Butterfly" took place. A visit to the Sforzesco Castle, whose history includes a military fortress (its model was taken by Italian architects during the construction of the Moscow Kremlin), the magnificent ducal residence of the Visconti-Sforza (before 1499), on the decoration of which Bramante and Leonardo worked; barracks (in the 19th century) and, finally, the location of the current museums. The 32 halls of the museum house collections of sculpture, furniture, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, bronze, ivory, metals and glass. The Museum of Old Musical Instruments is unique. Among the many worthy works of art, the most famous is the Pietà Rondanini, Michelangelo's last masterpiece. Death interrupted the work on this marble sculpture, in which the spiritual image triumphs over form.

Instead of the Sforzesco Castle, we offer a tour of the fresco “The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci in the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.

“The Last Supper” by Leonardo Da Vinci and the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie (1 hour 30 minutes)

The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie was built according to the design of Guiniforte Solari in 1463, when the adjacent monastery was already completed, and completed in 1482. From 1492 to 1495, the church, the favorite of Ludovico Sforza the Moor (where he intended to order a tombstone for himself and his wife Beatrice dEste), entrusted to the reinterpretations of Donato Bramante, who combined the principles of the Florentine Renaissance with typical elements of Lombard, Romanesque and Christian art (polygonal plans and ceramic decorations) to achieve a “divine geometry” based on the theories of Pythagoras and Plato. The Last Supper fresco, located in the refectory of the Dominican monastery that stood here, is the highest manifestation of the artistic gift of Leonardo da Vinci and the most important milestone in the history of both Lombard and world art.

The slowness and exactingness of Leonardo, invited to the court of Sforza (1495-97), in working on the fresco became the talk of the town. The master, working all day long, sometimes without touching his brush for days, used an unusual, but, unfortunately, fragile technique: he painted not in oil, but in strong tempera on complex preparatory plaster layers. Their wet component quickly swelled and took away the paint layer, corroding it with salt and mold - as a result, the painting quickly turned into a ghost. Already in 1565, Vasari could barely distinguish “blurry spots.” After the August 1943 bombings of August 1943 completely destroyed the refectory and previous poor repairs to the fresco, today restorers are trying to save it from complete disintegration. The mural itself is stunning and inspiring. traditional in plot, unique in composition.

Rigid perspective and symmetry extends into depth. The stage is enveloped in a faint diffused light streaming from three windows at the back and from a front source, as if from the windows of the room in which the viewer is located. Placed strictly in the center of the coincidence of all compositional and emotional vectors, Christ at a horizontal meal with the apostles, divided into threes, predicts: “One of you will betray me.” The teacher's words are incredible, and each of the twelve apostles is excited in his own way: their gestures and glances, combined with the location and relationship of the figures, express tragic inner tension. Contrary to tradition, Leonardo’s Judas is not highlighted by the fact that he sits at a distance: a linear row of 13 figures awakens in the viewer’s subconscious a feeling of trouble, the culprit of which will be the apostle, who overturned the salt shaker, Judas, who is sitting next to Jesus.

(This excursion is only possible by pre-booking a visiting time)

Main museums of Milan:

The gallery, housed in a former Jesuit college built by Martino Bassi in 1591, is recognizable from the monument to Napoleon by Canova (1809). The rich collection of paintings is amazing in its value and quality.

You will be able to embody the brilliant ideas of Leonardo da Vinci thanks to the neatest models constructed according to his designs and exhibited in the grandiose Leonardo da Vinci Gallery, and, in addition, try out the work of his mechanisms yourself in the interactive laboratory “Leonardo da Vinci's Fantastic Machines”

*this excursion is optional as an addition to a visit to the “Last Supper” and deepening acquaintance with the work of the great Tuscan

Excursions from Milan:

Those who want to take a break from the business life of Milan should visit this lake of rare beauty. It stretches 51 kilometers north of Milan to the border with Switzerland (from Cernobbio to Lake Lugano). The Lepontino Alps serve as a kind of barrier from the northern winds, so the temperature on the lake does not drop below 24 degrees Celsius. On its banks, surrounded by the beautiful forests of the Lario mountains in the area of ​​Bellagio, the peaks of which form valleys (Valassina, Val d'Esino, Valvarrone, Valcavargna and Val d'Intelvi), lie the luxurious summer villas of the noble Lombard families of the 18th-19th centuries, immersed in flowers (in Tramezzo, for example, the queen of villas - Villa Carlotta in the garden of camellias is decorated with sculptures by Canova and frescoes by Hayes) and picturesque places popular among tourists (Bolettone, Boletto, Palazzone and San Primo).Only in local restaurants can you taste the features of real Lombard cuisine .

The medieval part of Bergamo, which is connected to the lower town by a funicular. On the Old Square there is the Palazzo della Ragione, built in the 12th century, the famous Contarini fountain, the bell tower, which to this day at 10 pm strikes 130 blows, indicating the closure of all city gates. Here is the cathedral and the Colleoni Chapel, where this great condottiere rests. The Church of Santa Maria Maggiore is famous for its colored wooden inlays based on drawings by Lorenzo Lotto, illustrating biblical stories. The musician Gaetano Donizetti rests in the temple.

Cremona (5 hours with road)

Stradivari's homeland has an ancient and glorious history. The most majestic monument is the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta - a huge Romanesque building that harmoniously united the architectural styles of many centuries. The second tallest bell tower in the world is 110 m and has in the fourth tier the world's largest astrological clock from the 16th century, which depicts the constellations in interaction with the trajectories of the moon and sun. In addition to the delightful palaces and churches, it is worth visiting the Stradivari Museum, which houses a unique collection of forms and instruments that Antonio Stradivari used in the production of his unique violins.

Pavia (5 hours with road)

Situated on the Ticino River, the city has a centuries-old history, rich in the unique charm of cultural monuments. Everything here breathes centuries of history: from Roman origins to the splendor of the Gothic civilization, from the Longobard period to the Renaissance graces of the era of Signori Visconti and Sforza. It was by the will of Gian Galeazzo Visconti that at the end of the 14th century the Carthusian monastery was founded, where representatives of this dynasty found their last rest. This architectural complex is still considered one of the most grandiose and majestic in Europe. The marble mosaics of the façade anticipate the richness of the interior frescoes by the Borgognone brothers, and the terracotta sculptures of the inner monastery courtyards create a wonderful contrast to the asceticism of the cells.

Mantua (6 hours with road)

One of the most sung cities by poets: Aldous Huxley called Mantua “the most romantic city in the world”, Charles Baudelaire “A world asleep in warm light”, Orio Vergani “wrapped in solitude like fate”. It is impossible not to be enchanted by the canals of the Mincio River, covered with snow-white water lilies, the eternal fog that gives the magnificent monuments a surreal look, and the unique atmosphere of timeless historicity. The court of the Dukes of Mantua, Gonzaga, was rightfully considered one of the most brilliant in Europe. It would be more correct to call Palazzo Ducale a palace city, since it consists of numerous buildings interconnected through covered galleries, courtyards and hanging gardens. Here the great Mantegna covers with frescoes the “Bedroom of the Newlyweds,” a real pearl of the Renaissance. For entertainment, Gonzaga orders the best student of Rafael G. Romano “Tea Palace”, which will receive the epithet of “unconcealed deceptions”. Indeed, the fresco cycles of the same Romano contain many mystical symbols that gain greater effectiveness due to skillful visual tricks. One cannot ignore another colossus of the Renaissance - the Florentine architect Alberti, who left Mantua the Church of St. Sebastian and the Basilica of St. Andrew, where the Relic of the Blood of Christ is reverently kept.

The best excursions in Milan cover architectural sights, museums and galleries, temples, and castles as fully as possible.

Along with excursion destinations, shopping in Milan is popular; moreover, it becomes an independent reason to visit the city. The guides organize visits to the best country outlets of famous brands and boutiques in the city center - in the “fashion square” formed by Montenapoleone, Manzoni, della Spiga and Corso Venezia streets. A cult place for all shopping lovers is the Victor Emmanuel II Gallery in Piazza Duomo.

Special areas such as are always in demand. Experts in Milan suggest tasting dishes of Italian and Lombardy cuisine in particular in the most authentic establishments where locals like to spend time. Participants of wine tours visit the cellars accompanied by a sommelier, and tastings are certainly organized for them.

Special programs help to ensure an interesting holiday with children in Milan: visits to museums with master classes, tours to amusement parks - Gardaland, Movieland, Italy in Miniature.

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Prices for excursions in Milan and tours

For all excursions from Milan, prices are indicated in euros. Walking and bus sightseeing tours of Milan as part of a group are inexpensive (the cost is for each participant or for the entire group at once). You need to agree on the terms of individual support directly with the guide.

Best excursions: what to see

The famous landmark of Milan is the Duomo di Milano Cathedral, which you can visit on a guided tour. Options are available - with a group or alone with a guide.

The list of must-sees on the busiest routes around the city also includes the Sforzesco Castle, named after the ruler. Even Leonardo da Vinci himself was involved in the decoration of the castle, rebuilt from a defensive structure.

The fame of Milan's La Scala theater resounds throughout Europe. To attend the best opera performances and see theatrical exhibitions in the museum at La Scala, you can also contact the guides.

Milan has the most interesting cultural and historical collections. You can immediately plan a route to the best museums and pinakotheks for several days. With children it is worth visiting the National Museum of Science and Technology Leonardo da Vinci. The permanent exhibition introduces visitors to da Vinci's inventions and Renaissance masterpieces and includes several interactive exhibits.

Other popular cultural programs in Milan: excursions to the Brera Pinacoteca and a route dedicated to Giuseppe Verdi.

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Tours and excursions from Milan: where to go

It is convenient to combine a holiday in Milan with mini-trips around the country. For example, trips from Milan to Venice, the city of canals and gondoliers, are always interesting.

From Milan is an option for those who cannot spare a few days for the capital, but want to at least see the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and visit the Vatican.

The city of Romeo and Juliet will also be unforgettable. The guides plan this route in such a way that after a walk around Verona there is even time to go to Lake Garda and return to Milan on the same day.

Lake Como is just 55 km from Milan and is also carried out regularly. This is one of the most picturesque places in Italy: the lake landscape is complemented by mountains and the cozy architecture of coastal towns.

When leaving Milan, not only short-term tours around Italy (for 1-2 days) are popular, but also to castles and lakes. You won’t be able to study the country in detail in the allotted time, but this is enough to be impressed by its beauty and get inspired for a vacation in Switzerland.

Special field trips are organized during carnivals and city holidays. Destinations - San Remo, Nice, Lugano and others.

Lake Como (Lago di Como) is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Lombardy. I offer a beautiful photo walk around the city of Varenna. An excellent opportunity to preserve for many years the memory of a fantastic place, charming and unlike others!

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My impression is this: either you need a shopping guide in Milan, or to see the sights, or to guide you around the surrounding area and shopping spots - you are unlikely to find a better one than Olga. She is an amazingly sociable and nimble girl who quickly resolves any issue that arises. Take my situation for example. Knowing that I had to visit Milan, I was inspired by the idea of ​​​​seeing with my own eyes the famous fresco by Leonardo da Vinci “The Last Supper”. But when I finally arrived in Milan, I was surprised to find that appointments can only be made in advance via the Internet. And no amount of persuasion can force the stewards to deviate from this order. If it weren’t for Olga, my entire trip would have been ruined. A good guide in Milan is truly essential! Just like Olga.

I highly recommend Olga as a Russian-speaking guide to Milan, especially if the purpose of your visit to Milan is sightseeing. Unlike, say, Venice, in Milan the attractions are scattered in different quarters, and if you don’t know your way around the city at all, then the task of the guide, as I see it, is to help the tourist see the main thing, without wasting time, without jostling in queues and in public transport. Olga did an excellent job with this task! I especially liked her tour of Santa Maria delle Grazie and her story about the Last Supper - it was a real discovery. It turns out that the fresco has many secret meanings that you would never guess when examining it on your own. We talked with our other friends who visited Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, but the guide they hired (and far from the cheapest) did not even go with them inside the church. Olga also helped us a lot with our shopping. Thank you very much!

Olga was recommended to me by good friends, and I was not disappointed, because Olga was more than just a guide-translator for us throughout our entire stay in Milan. After a successful shopping trip, which we successfully carried out in Milan with her assistance (she got us such impressive discounts on fashionable clothes that we didn’t even think about - that’s what knowledge of the Italian language plus local psychology means) she gave us an excellent review