Milan travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Milan, Lombardy, Italy.
Milan's history spans more than 2,600 years, from its founding as a Celtic settlement called Medhelan (meaning 'middle of the plain') around 590 BC, through Roman, medieval, Renaissance and modern eras. Under Roman rule as Mediolanum, it became the de facto capital of the Western Roman Empire in 286 AD. The Visconti and Sforza dynasties transformed it into one of Europe's most powerful Renaissance cities. It was the setting for Leonardo da Vinci's greatest works and became Italy's industrial and financial capital in the 20th century.
Historical timeline
Key moments that shaped Milan.
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1
Celtic Insubres found Medhelan (Milan)
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2
Roman conquest — becomes Mediolanum
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3
Edict of Milan grants religious tolerance throughout the Empire
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4
Western Roman capital transfers to Mediolanum under Emperor Gratian
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5
Construction begins on Duomo di Milano
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6
Francesco Sforza founds the Sforza dynasty
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7
Leonardo da Vinci arrives at the Sforza court
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8
Leonardo paints the Last Supper
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9
Napoleon conquers Milan; makes it capital of Cisalpine Republic
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10
Five Days revolt drives Austrians out (briefly)
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11
Italian unification; Milan becomes key industrial hub
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12
Allied bombing heavily damages historic centre
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13
First Salone del Mobile establishes Milan as world design capital
Historical eras
The chapters of Milan's past.
Historical sites
Places where Milan's past comes alive.
Duomo di Milano
Where: City Centre, Milan
Admission: Adult: €5 cathedral; €20 full experience | Child: Free under 12
Castello Sforzesco
Where: City Centre, Milan
Admission: Adult: Grounds free; Museums €5; free Tue 2-5:30PM | Child: Free under 18
Santa Maria delle Grazie (Last Supper)
Where: Magenta, Milan
Admission: Adult: Last Supper: €15 + €2 booking fee; Church: free | Child: Free under 18 (booking fee applies)
Basilica di Sant'Ambrogio
Where: Sant'Ambrogio, Milan
Admission: Adult: Free | Child: Free
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana & Biblioteca Ambrosiana
Where: City Centre, Milan
Admission: Adult: €15 | Child: €10 (ages 6-17)
Teatro alla Scala
Where: City Centre, Milan
Admission: Adult: Museum €9; opera from €15 | Child: Free under 12 (museum)
Museums
Curated collections that tell Milan's story.
Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Tecnologia
Hours: Tue-Fri 9:30AM-5PM; Sat-Sun 9:30AM-6:30PM
Museo del Novecento
Hours: Mon 2:30-7:30PM; Tue-Sun 9:30AM-7:30PM
Pinacoteca di Brera
Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30AM-7:15PM
Museo Poldi Pezzoli
Hours: Wed-Mon 10AM-6PM; closed Tuesday
Pinacoteca Ambrosiana
Hours: Tue-Sun 10AM-6PM; closed Monday
Historical tours
Guided experiences that bring history to life.