21 Best Historical Sites in Milan (2025) : Tips & Walking Routes

Milan is often seen as Italy’s capital of fashion and design, but beneath its modern surface lies more than two thousand years of history. From Roman ruins and medieval churches to Renaissance masterpieces and grand neoclassical boulevards, the city is layered with stories waiting to be discovered.

Walking through Milan often feels like stepping between centuries. One moment you’re standing in front of the Gothic spires of the Duomo, and a few minutes later you might be admiring ancient Roman columns or the Renaissance brilliance of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where Leonardo painted The Last Supper. Even everyday spaces — like bustling squares or elegant shopping arcades — hold centuries of history in their architecture.

As someone who knows Milan well, I’ve always been fascinated by how seamlessly the old and new coexist. The city’s historical sites aren’t just monuments; they’re living parts of Milan, still connected to local life.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the most important historical sites in Milan for 2025 — from Roman foundations to modern landmarks. For each site, you’ll find practical details like tickets, opening hours, and how to get there, so you can easily plan your own journey through Milan’s past.

Map of Historical Sites in Milan

To make it easier to plan your route, here’s a map showing the 21 best historical sites in Milan included in this guide. You can zoom, pan, and click on the pins to see each location.

How to use the map:

• Zoom in/out with your fingers or mouse to explore different neighborhoods.
• Click on pins to view names and addresses of each site.
• Use the map to group sites together — for example:
  • Duomo area: Duomo, Palazzo Reale, La Scala, Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
  • Brera district: Pinacoteca di Brera + cobblestone streets.
  • Magenta area: Santa Maria delle Grazie + San Maurizio + Archaeological Museum.
  • Castle area: Castello Sforzesco + Parco Sempione + Arco della Pace.

💡 My tip: Milan is compact enough that you can cover one cluster in half a day. I often plan mornings for a major site like The Last Supper or the Duomo, then afternoons for a walking route with smaller landmarks.

Roman Milan: Ancient Foundations

Colonne di San Lorenzo

One of the clearest reminders of Milan’s Roman past is the Colonne di San Lorenzo, a striking row of sixteen marble Corinthian columns standing proudly in front of the Basilica of San Lorenzo. Dating back to the 2nd–3rd century AD, these columns are thought to have belonged to a Roman temple or bath complex, and they are among the few visible remains of ancient Mediolanum.

What makes the site special is its setting: the columns rise dramatically in a lively square, surrounded by bars, cafés, and street musicians. By day, it’s a fascinating historical stop; by night, it becomes one of Milan’s most popular gathering spots. I love how this site blends antiquity with everyday life — Romans once walked here, and now modern Milanese hang out in the same place.

🎟️ Tickets: Free, open-air site.
📍 Address: Corso di Porta Ticinese, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Always accessible.
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 2 (Green) to Sant’Ambrogio or Line 1 (Red) to Duomo, then a 10-minute walk.

💡 Tip: Visit in the evening to see the columns beautifully lit, and then enjoy a stroll toward the Navigli canals, which are just a short walk away.

Civic Archaeological Museum & Roman Walls

To truly understand Milan’s Roman origins, head to the Civic Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Monastery of San Maurizio along Corso Magenta. The museum takes you back to when Milan was Mediolanum, the capital of the Western Roman Empire. Inside, you’ll find mosaics, statues, jewelry, ceramics, and everyday objects that tell the story of how Romans lived in the city nearly 2,000 years ago.

The museum also includes access to one of the most impressive surviving structures from ancient Milan: the Roman walls and towers in the outdoor courtyard. Standing before these stone remains, it’s easy to imagine the fortified city that once protected emperors and generals. Milan’s Roman theater is also connected to the museum, though it is usually accessible only through guided tours.

🎟️ Tickets: Free on the first Sunday of the month. Book your tickets or join a guided tour of the Civic Archaeological Museum here.
📍 Address: Corso Magenta 15, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (closed Mondays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to Cadorna or Line 2 (Green) to Sant’Ambrogio.

💡 Tip: After visiting, don’t miss the nearby San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore, nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Milan.” It’s free to enter and just around the corner.

Roman Theater Ruins (Palazzo Mezzanotte)

In Roman times, Milan — then called Mediolanum — was an imperial city with a lively cultural scene. One of its greatest landmarks was the Roman Theater, built in the 1st century AD. It once held up to 8,000 spectators who came to watch performances and public events. Today, its remains lie beneath the Palazzo Mezzanotte, home of the Milan Stock Exchange.

Although only fragments of the theater survive, including sections of seating and stage structures, visiting the site gives a powerful sense of Milan’s Roman grandeur. Access is limited, usually available only on guided tours or special open days, but if you get the chance, it’s worth it to stand on the spot where Roman citizens once gathered for entertainment nearly 2,000 years ago.

🎟️ Tickets: By guided tour only; join a guided tour here
📍 Address: Piazza degli Affari 6, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Limited access, often during special cultural events.
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to Cordusio or Line 3 (Yellow) to Duomo; just a 10-minute walk from the cathedral.

💡 Tip: Even if you can’t go inside, the surrounding square, Piazza Affari, is worth a stop for its bold modern sculpture, Maurizio Cattelan’s famous “middle finger” artwork — a quirky contrast to the ancient ruins below.

Medieval Milan

Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio

The Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio is one of Milan’s most important and oldest churches, founded in the 4th century by Saint Ambrose, the city’s patron saint. It remains a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture, with its brick façade, twin towers, and golden mosaics that shimmer inside.

Stepping into the basilica feels like stepping into another era — quiet, solemn, and deeply historical. Beneath the altar lie the remains of Saint Ambrose himself, making this a pilgrimage site as well as an architectural wonder.

🎟️ Tickets: Free entry.
📍 Address: Piazza Sant’Ambrogio 15, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Daily 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:30 pm – 6:00 pm.
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 2 (Green) to Sant’Ambrogio.

💡 Tip: Visit in the late afternoon when golden light filters through the church, highlighting its ancient mosaics.

Piazza Mercanti

Just a few steps from the Duomo, Piazza Mercanti is a small square that once served as the heart of medieval Milan’s political and commercial life. Surrounded by Gothic and Renaissance buildings like the Palazzo della Ragione and Loggia degli Osii, the square still carries the atmosphere of the Middle Ages. Back then, it was bustling with merchants, judges, and civic leaders; today, it feels almost hidden, a quiet escape from the busy streets nearby.

🎟️ Tickets: Free, open-air site.
📍 Address: Piazza Mercanti, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Always accessible.
🚇 How to get there: Metro Lines 1 (Red) & 3 (Yellow) to Duomo; just a 5-minute walk.

💡 Tip: Go early in the morning when the square is calm and you can imagine the medieval city around you.

San Bernardino alle Ossa

For something truly unusual, visit San Bernardino alle Ossa, a small 13th-century church best known for its ossuary chapel. Here, the walls are decorated with human skulls and bones arranged in patterns — both eerie and fascinating. The tradition began when space in the cemetery ran out, and the bones were used to adorn the chapel. Despite the macabre décor, the church has a strangely peaceful atmosphere.

🎟️ Tickets: Free entry.
📍 Address: Via Verziere 2, 20122 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Monday–Saturday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm (closed Sundays).
🚇 How to get there: Metro Line 1 (Red) to San Babila or Line 3 (Yellow) to Missori.

💡 Tip: Combine this visit with a walk to the nearby Duomo — it’s only about 5 minutes away.

Renaissance & Sforza Era

Castello Sforzesco

Built in the 15th century by the powerful Sforza family, the Castello Sforzesco is one of Milan’s most iconic landmarks. Its massive walls once protected dukes and rulers, and today the castle is a cultural hub filled with museums and galleries.

Inside, you’ll find treasures ranging from Renaissance paintings to decorative arts and musical instruments. The highlight for me is always Michelangelo’s unfinished Pietà Rondanini, displayed in a quiet hall where the atmosphere feels deeply moving.

📍 Address: Piazza Castello, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Courtyards daily; museums Tue–Sun (closed Mon).
🚇 Metro: M1 Cairoli or M2 Lanza.

💡 My tip: I usually wander the free courtyards first, then head into the museums. Afterward, a stroll through Parco Sempione behind the castle makes the visit complete.

👉 Book your entry tickets and guided tour of Castello Sforzesco here

Santa Maria delle Grazie & The Last Supper

A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Milan’s most visited attractions, Santa Maria delle Grazie houses Leonardo da Vinci’s legendary Last Supper. Painted directly on the convent’s refectory wall, it captures the dramatic moment when Christ reveals that one of the apostles will betray him. Access is limited to small groups and short visits, which makes the experience feel very personal.

📍 Address: Piazza di Santa Maria delle Grazie 2, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tue–Sun (closed Mon).
🚇 Metro: M1 Conciliazione or M2 Cadorna (~20 min walk from the Duomo).

💡 My tip: Book well in advance — sometimes months ahead. When I finally stepped inside for the first time, the silence in the room struck me as much as the painting itself.

👉 Reserve your tickets or join a Last Supper guided tour here

San Maurizio al Monastero Maggiore

Nicknamed the “Sistine Chapel of Milan,” this 16th-century church dazzles with frescoes covering every wall and ceiling. The vibrant paintings by Bernardino Luini and his school are breathtaking, and yet this spot often remains quiet compared to the Duomo or Santa Maria delle Grazie. Every time I walk in, I wonder why it isn’t on more people’s lists — it’s easily one of Milan’s hidden jewels.

📍 Address: Corso Magenta 15, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tue–Sun (closed Mon).
🚇 Metro: M1 Cadorna or M2 Sant’Ambrogio.

💡 My tip: Visit mid-morning when the natural light makes the frescoes glow. It’s free to enter, so there’s no excuse to miss it.

Pinacoteca di Brera & the Brera District

The Pinacoteca di Brera is Milan’s premier art gallery, showcasing masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna. The galleries are housed in a beautiful palace, and the collection offers one of the best journeys through Italian Renaissance and Baroque painting. I like to start with Piero della Francesca for balance, then finish with Caravaggio for drama — it feels like walking through the evolution of Italian art.

Afterward, the Brera district outside the museum is perfect for wandering cobblestone streets, browsing boutiques, or enjoying a coffee. The neighborhood has a bohemian charm that makes it as much a part of the visit as the gallery itself.

📍 Address: Via Brera 28, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tue–Sun (closed Mon).
🚇 Metro: M3 Montenapoleone (~10 min walk from the Duomo).

💡 My tip: Go early, then explore Brera’s cafés and courtyards before the crowds arrive.
👉 Skip the line and book your Pinacoteca di Brera tickets here

Baroque & Neoclassical Milan

Teatro alla Scala

Opened in 1778, Teatro alla Scala is one of the world’s most famous opera houses. Its red velvet seats, glittering chandeliers, and perfect acoustics have hosted premieres by Verdi, Puccini, and Rossini. Even if you don’t attend a performance, the La Scala Museum is worth a visit, with exhibits on costumes, set designs, and portraits of legendary composers. On quiet days, you may even get a peek into the main auditorium — one of those moments that always gives me goosebumps.

📍 Address: Largo Ghiringhelli 1, 20121 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Daily, the museum opens most mornings/afternoons.
🚇 Metro: M1 or M3 to Duomo; ~5 min walk.

💡 My tip: I usually combine La Scala with the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II nearby — both give you a taste of Milan’s elegance.
👉 Book your La Scala Museum tickets or guided tour here

Palazzo Reale

Right next to the Duomo, the Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) is Milan’s major exhibition center. The palace’s grand halls host blockbuster shows, from Renaissance masters to contemporary art and fashion retrospectives. The scale of the exhibitions often surprises first-time visitors — I still remember being completely absorbed by a Caravaggio show here, moving room to room through dramatic lighting and historic spaces.

📍 Address: Piazza del Duomo 12, 20122 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tue–Sun; closed Mondays.
🚇 Metro: M1 or M3 to Duomo.

💡 My tip: Since Palazzo Reale sits right on the cathedral square, it’s easy to pair with a Duomo visit or a walk through the Galleria.
👉 Check tickets and current exhibitions at Palazzo Reale here

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Nicknamed the “living room of Milan,” the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is a stunning 19th-century shopping arcade connecting Piazza del Duomo to Piazza della Scala. Its soaring glass roof, marble floors, and elegant shops make it one of the most photographed spots in Milan. I always stop at the mosaic bull on the floor — spinning on its heel for good luck is a quirky local tradition.

📍 Address: Piazza del Duomo, 20123 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Always open.
🚇 Metro: M1 or M3 to Duomo.

💡 My tip: Visit in the morning before the crowds, when the light streams through the glass dome — it’s magical for photos.
👉 Join a guided walking tour of Milan’s historic center (includes the Galleria) here

20th-Century & Modern Historical Landmarks

Stazione Centrale

Milan’s Stazione Centrale isn’t just a transport hub — it’s one of the most impressive railway stations in Europe. Opened in 1931 under Mussolini’s regime, it’s a showcase of monumental Fascist-era architecture. The vast halls, sculptures, and mosaics feel more like a palace than a train station. I often catch myself looking up at the ceilings even when I’m just rushing to a train — it never fails to impress.

📍 Address: Piazza Duca d’Aosta, 20124 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Always open.
🚇 Metro: M2 or M3 to Centrale FS.

💡 My tip: Even if you’re not traveling by train, take a short walk through the main hall — it’s like stepping into 20th-century history.

Arco della Pace

The Arco della Pace (Arch of Peace) was begun by Napoleon in the early 19th century to celebrate his victories. After his fall, it was completed by the Austrians and dedicated to peace. The marble arch, topped with bronze horses and statues, stands at the edge of Parco Sempione, making it both a historical landmark and one of Milan’s best sunset spots. I love coming here at golden hour — the arch frames the evening sky perfectly, and the square comes alive with cafés and locals enjoying aperitivo.

📍 Address: Piazza Sempione, 20154 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Always accessible.
🚇 Metro: M2 Lanza or M5 Gerusalemme; ~15 min walk through Parco Sempione.

💡 My tip: Pair your visit with Castello Sforzesco and Parco Sempione — it’s a perfect walking route.
👉 Join a Milan walking tour that covers Arco della Pace and Parco Sempione here

Cimitero Monumentale

The Cimitero Monumentale is unlike any cemetery you’ve seen — it’s an open-air museum filled with elaborate tombs, statues, and mausoleums. Famous Milanese families commissioned top architects and sculptors to design their monuments, turning the cemetery into a gallery of 19th- and 20th-century art and architecture. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and full of stories. The first time I walked its tree-lined avenues, I was surprised by how inspiring it felt rather than somber.

📍 Address: Piazzale Cimitero Monumentale, 20154 Milan.
🕒 Hours: Tue–Sun 8:00–18:00 (closed Mon).
🚇 Metro: M5 to Monumentale.

💡 My tip: Pick up a map at the entrance — it highlights notable monuments and will help you navigate the vast grounds.
👉 Book a guided Monumental Cemetery walking tour here

Walking Historical Routes

One of the best ways to experience Milan’s history is simply by walking through it. The city’s historical sites cluster in different neighborhoods, so you can easily design routes that let you explore several layers of history in a single afternoon. I often recommend these three routes — they balance famous landmarks with hidden gems.

Duomo to La Scala Route

Start at the Duomo di Milano, the city’s Gothic masterpiece. From the square, walk through the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II with its soaring glass dome. Just a few minutes later you’ll arrive at Teatro alla Scala, the world’s most famous opera house. This short route gives you a sense of Milan’s transition from medieval devotion to 19th-century elegance.

Roman & Medieval Route

Begin at the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio, one of Milan’s oldest churches, then head toward the Colonne di San Lorenzo, a striking reminder of Roman Mediolanum. Continue on to the San Bernardino alle Ossa bone chapel or wander into the lively Navigli canals nearby. I love this walk in the late afternoon, when the sun hits the ancient stone and the streets begin to buzz with evening life.

Castle to Arch Route

Enter through the gates of Castello Sforzesco and explore its courtyards before strolling into Parco Sempione, Milan’s largest green space. At the far end rises the Arco della Pace, a neoclassical arch that glows beautifully at sunset. This route is great if you want to combine culture, fresh air, and photography. I usually grab an aperitivo at one of the bars around Piazza Sempione to finish the walk.

💡 My tip: Wear comfortable shoes and give yourself time to wander. Milan’s historical streets are full of details you’ll only notice on foot — old courtyards, hidden frescoes, or even a quiet café where you can pause like a local.

Practical Tips for Visiting Milan’s Historical Sites

Book Ahead for Popular Sites

If there’s one golden rule for Milan, it’s this: book early. Landmarks like The Last Supper, the Duomo rooftop, or La Scala Museum often sell out weeks (sometimes months) in advance. I’ve learned the hard way — one time I waited too long for The Last Supper and had to book a pricey last-minute tour. Since then, I always secure tickets online first.

👉 Check availability for Milan’s top attractions here

Plan Around Mondays

Most museums and historical sites in Milan close on Mondays. If you’re in the city for just a few days, save Monday for outdoor landmarks like the Colonne di San Lorenzo, Arco della Pace, or wandering the Navigli canals.

Take Advantage of Free Days

Many museums, including the Castello Sforzesco and Pinacoteca di Brera, are free on the first Sunday of the month. It can get crowded, but if you don’t mind a lively atmosphere, it’s a great way to stretch your budget.

Group Sites by Neighborhood

Milan is best explored in clusters:

• Duomo area: Duomo + Palazzo Reale + Museo del Novecento.
• Brera district: Pinacoteca di Brera + cobblestone streets.
• Magenta area: Santa Maria delle Grazie + San Maurizio.
• Castle area: Castello Sforzesco + Parco Sempione + Arco della Pace.

💡 My tip: I often plan one cluster per half-day — it keeps the pace relaxed without missing highlights.

Passes & Combo Tickets

If you’re visiting multiple sites, consider the Milan City Pass or Museum Pass. They often include skip-the-line access, transport, and discounts, which save both time and money. I find them especially useful when I’m guiding family or friends around the city.

👉 Get your Milan City Pass with transport and attractions included here

Timing & Comfort

Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds. For me, mornings are best for churches and museums, while evenings are perfect for open-air sites like the Arco della Pace. Always wear comfortable shoes — Milan’s cobbled lanes can be tricky after a few hours of walking.

FAQs on Historical Sites in Milan

Final Words

Milan may be famous for fashion and design, but its history runs far deeper than shop windows and skyscrapers. From Roman ruins and medieval churches to Renaissance masterpieces and neoclassical boulevards, every corner of the city carries a story. Walking from the Duomo to the Colonne di San Lorenzo or from the Castello Sforzesco to the Arco della Pace, you’re moving through centuries of art, politics, and everyday life.

What I love most is how Milan’s historical sites are still part of the city today — locals meet by Roman columns, students study in castle courtyards, and evening crowds gather around monuments built centuries ago. Exploring these places is more than sightseeing; it’s a way to connect with Milan’s living past.

Take your time, walk slowly, and let the history of Milan unfold around you.