The centro storico of Milan is home to the cathedral, opera house, the royal palace, art-filled private mansions and busy pedestrian boulevards. This historic district was once the Roman city of Mediolanum, though its boundary walls vanished long ago. As well as historic sights, the area contains a grid of shopping streets around Via Montenapoleone known as the Quadrilatero d’Oro, or “Golden Rectangle”. This little area is home to some outrageously expensive boutiques, as well as haute-couture superstores and the head offices of all the biggest names in international fashion.
Cova pastry shop
The Duomo – Milan’s “forest”
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Morning
Start at 10am amid the stupendous collections of Pinacoteca Ambrosiana.
Work your way south to Via Torino and the jewelbox of a church, Santa Maria presso San Satiro , then walk north up Via Torino until you reach the Piazza del Duomo, Milan’s vast public living room.
Continue along the piazza’s western edge and divert up Via Mercanti to see the raised porticoes of Palazzo della Ragione. Now cross the huge Duomo square to enjoy the marvels of Italy’s second-largest cathedral (see Milan’s Duomo). Don’t miss exploring its roof.
Take a platter of cheese and meats in Zucca (see Zucca in Galleria (Caffè Miani)) at the entrance to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, the grandest shopping arcade in Italy.
Afternoon
Exit the arcade at Piazza della Scala, flanked by the famed opera house and Palazzo Marino . Behind the latter is the church of San Fedele. After seeing this walk northeast past the surreal Casa degli Omenoni .
Turn left to visit the excellent Museo Poldi-Pezzoli, then continue north on Via Manzoni, admiring its palazzi and Armani boutique, until you come to Milan’s prime shopping street, Via Montenapoleone .
Shoppers will spend the rest of the day here; museum hounds can take in the Museo Bagatti Valsecchi. Both should stop for drinks at Cova .
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Tea kettles, silverware settings and other gorgeous items crafted by the top names in international industrial design, all manufactured in Lombardy.
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Hard-core Milanese cooking in an 18th-century palazzo , favoured by bankers and fashion bigwigs.
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This café may be overpriced but is great for Duomo views and watching the people, processions and protest rallies at Milan’s heart.
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Sculptor Leone Leoni’s 16th-century home has a magnificent façade flanked by a Liberty-style tower.
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Manzoni, Italy’s greatest 19th-century writer (see I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed)), lived in this Neo-Classical palazzo , now a museum of “Manzoniana”.
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This massive complex – originally a hospital, now part of the University of Milan – took 400 years to complete.
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Branch of a chain of toy shops that offer the best in home-made playthings.
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Top conservatory with free concerts by Milan’s philharmonic orchestra.
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Nestling in the heart of Milan’s boutique district since 1817, Cova offers excellent coffee and pastries (see Cova, Milan).
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Restaurant price categories
For a three-course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
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