About Milan
Milan is a significant city in the northern region of Italy. It is considered a hub for international business and finance. It is known for its fashion, design, architecture, and art. It hosts several international fashion events, such as Milan Fashion Week, which attracts the industry’s top fashion professionals from around the globe. While here, you must try its traditional dishes such as Risotto Alla Milanese, a saffron-flavoured rice dish, and Veal Milanese. Many high-end restaurants and cafes offer these dishes with different side platters and flavours. Milan beautifully combines history, world-class cuisine, culture, and modernity. IndiGo offers several convenient options for flights to Milan in a codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines.
Places to visit in Milan
Milan is blessed with some of the most historically and culturally significant places. It has something for everyone. You can enjoy this place as a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a fashion aficionado..
- The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele: The Galleria Vittorio Emanuele is a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade next to the Duomo. It features an exquisite glass ceiling, marble floors, and intricate ironwork. It opened in 1877 and got its name from Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy. The Galleria's design is a beautiful mix of neoclassical and Gothic styles, created by the Italian architect Giuseppe Mengoni. Inside, there's a big glass roof and iron structure that lets in natural light, making it a delightful and open space. Visitors can find some of the world's most luxurious brands at this arcade.
- La Scala: La Scala is one of the most revered opera houses in Italy. It has been in operation since 1778. This neoclassical architecture is truly unique and something to marvel at. Many famous operas premiered there, like Verdi's "Nabucco" and "Otello," and Puccini's "Madama Butterfly”. This opera house is a treat for all music lovers.
- Sforza Castle: The Sforza Castle is also known as Castello Sforzesco. It is a massive fortress built in the 15th century by Francesco Sforza. It houses several museums and art collections, like works by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. It is a brilliant place to learn about the medieval history of Malta and its iconic culture. Entry to the castle is free.
- The Duomo: The Duomo is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. It has intricately designed spires and statues, along with a beautiful facade. Construction started in 1386 and took about 600 years to finish, with final touches added in the late 19th century. It's one of the world's largest churches, covering 109,641 square feet. Visitors can go to the rooftop terrace for amazing views of Milan's skyline and a close look at the sculptures and decorations. The Duomo has over 3,400 statues, 135 spires, and many marble elements that make it a masterpiece.
- Piazza del Duomo: Piazza del Duomo is the central square in Milan. It is surrounded by historic landmarks like the Milan Cathedral, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Royal Palace of Milan, and Palazzo Carminati. The Milan Cathedral has 3,400 statues, making it one of the world's most decorated cathedrals. Its construction began in 1386 and finished in 1965, taking 579 years.
- Pinacoteca di Brera: The Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan, Italy, is a special place full of art and history. It has an amazing collection of masterpieces from different times and styles. You can see works by famous artists like Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and Rembrandt, making it a dream come true for art lovers. The gallery inside, called Palazzo di Brera, is a beautiful and historic palace that was built in the 17th century. The stunning setting adds to the experience of seeing the art. It's also connected to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera, a respected art school, which makes it even more culturally important.
- Santa Maria delle Grazie: Santa Maria delle Grazie is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting, The Last Supper, that shows Jesus and his disciples having their last meal together. The church's design is also fascinating because it combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, making it unique and full of history. When you visit, you not only get to see Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece but also other beautiful artworks in the church.
Important things to remember for a trip to Milan
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, as Milan is a city best explored on foot.
- Buy a MilanoCard for discounts on transportation, attractions, and restaurants.
- Take advantage of the city's public transportation system, which includes buses, trams, and metro.
- Try booking tickets for museums and attractions in advance.
Milan International Airport
Milan has two main airports. The main airport in Milan, Italy, is called Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP). It is an international airport serving the city and surrounding region. Another airport in Milan is Milano Linate Airport (LIN), which is primarily used for domestic and European flights. Both airports play a crucial role in connecting Milan with destinations worldwide and facilitating travel for millions of passengers each year.
Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the larger and more widely used airport, about 45 km from the city centre. Linate Airport (LIN) is closer to the city centre, about 7 km away. Both airports offer various transportation options to the city centre, including taxis, buses, and trains. Numerous facilities are available at both airports such as shopping, dining, free Wi-Fi, and currency exchange centres.
Milan visa requirements
To visit Italy, you'll require a Schengen visa. These are the documents required for a Schengen visa/Milan visa -
- Your passport.
- Your recent passport-size photographs.
- A return ticket. It should show the date of departure.
- Evidence of hotel bookings.
- Travel insurance. That helps to cover medical expenses.
- Testimony for financial support.
- A cover letter explaining the reason for visiting the country.
- A detailed Itinerary. It should show the duration of your stay in the city.